Red Sox keep Ortiz for $12.5 million

Published November 20, 2014

The Boston Red Sox kept designated hitter David Ortiz by exercising a $12.5 million club option, and World Series MVP Edgar Renteria awaited a decision by the San Francisco Giants on his $9.5 million option.

Teams had until midnight EDT Thursday to exercise options under the new rules agreed to by the commissioner's office and players' association in September. Under the fast-track timetable, free agents such as Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth can start negotiating with all teams this Sunday, the sixth day after the World Series.

Ortiz wanted a new multiyear contract, but the Red Sox didn't want to make a longer commitment to a player who turns 35 in two weeks.

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