Tigers, outfielder J.D. Martinez discussing extension

The Detroit Tigers are just days removed from bolstering their outfield with the signing of Justin Upton, but more could already be in the works. 

Outfielder J.D. Martinez told Chris Iott of MLive.com that he and the team are discussing a long-term extension. 

"It's definitely something we're still talking about," Martinez said. "It's something I think both sides are still interested in. We haven't come to something where we both feel comfortable yet."

"I would love to be a Tiger for life."

Martinez, 28, would not become a free agent until after the 2017 season. He is arbitration eligible this winter. The Tigers and Martinez filed for the process last week, with Detroit filing at $6 million and Martinez filing at $8 million. 

The Tigers are not a file and trial team, so an agreement between the two sides for 2016 could come before a hearing in February. A long-term agreement could also come during that time. 

Martinez established himself as a cornerstone in the Tigers' lineup this past season, hitting .282/.344/.535 with 38 home runs and 102 RBIs in 657 plate appearances. He was named to the American League All-Star team and was worth 5.0 fWAR. 

A former 20th round pick by the Astros, Martinez was never thought of a big league star until 2014. Houston actually released the outfielder after three below-average offensive seasons with the club. When picked up by the Tigers, though, Martinez shined. 

As for details on a possible extension between the two sides, Martinez could look at Alex Gordon's and Adam Jones' past extensions, each coming while those players were between four- and five-years of service times. 

Gordon signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Royals ($12.5 million per year) and Jones signed a six-year, $85.5 million deal with the Orioles ($14.25 million per year). The total guarantee of a future Martinez contract will go up the more free agent years he decides to surrender. 

​--Devan Fink

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