Red Sox DH David Ortiz says he will not consent to trade

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz said Thursday that he would not accept a trade if the team tried to deal him before the July 31 deadline.

Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz said Thursday that he would not accept a trade if the team tried to deal him before the July 31 deadline. 

“No chance,” Ortiz said, according to The Boston Globe. “This is the team I’ll be with the rest of my career.” 

“I couldn’t do that to my family. I couldn’t just go to another team and fit in after all of these years. I want to be here.”

Because Ortiz has spent at least five consecutive seasons with the same team and has been in the majors for at least 10 years, he has the right to reject any trade. 

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Ortiz, 39, has played 19 years in the majors, 13 with the Red Sox. He can become a free agent after this season but has a team option that vests if he has at least 425 plate appearances this year. 

The Red Sox (28-39) are in last place in the American League East and Ortiz is putting up career-worst statistics. He is batting .229 with a .313 on-base percentage and .408 slugging percentage, which would all be career-lows. 

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- Dan Gartland