The Boston Red Sox announced that they exercised their $17.2 million option on slugging designated hitter David Ortiz' contract, Thursday.

While a report on the team's website noted that the move was made as a formality and really just to cover any change in heart Ortiz might have prior to the start of next season, it is expected that the 40-year-old will officially retire soon.

By exercising Ortiz' option, the team will retain the slugger if he reneges on his word and decides to keep playing.

The team also announced that they have excised the $13.5 million dollar option on starting pitcher Clay Buchholz' contract. The decision will keep Buchholz, who struggled early on in the 2016 campaign but pitched much better over the final two months, in Boston for at least the 2017 season.

The team now has six starting pitchers returning to the club next season.

 

 

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