DETROIT (AP) – A person with knowledge of the deal says J.D. Martinez has agreed to an $18.5 million, two-year contract with the Detroit Tigers, avoiding salary arbitration. The person spoke Monday night on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The 28-year-old Martinez was eligible for arbitration through next year and can become a free agent after the 2017 World Series. Martinez batted .282 with 38 home runs and 102 RBIs last season. He hit 23 homers in 2014 after he was released by Houston during spring training and the Tigers signed him.
