Boston Red Sox David Ortiz: What to Expect in Final Season

David Ortiz announced that 2016 would be his final season. He had a great year last season, so what can you expect out of him in his final year?

This is it.

David Ortiz announced on Nov. 18 that this would be his final season. It’s been a great career, lasting 20 seasons with minimal injuries. Ortiz is a stand-up player and plays the game the right way. He spent a few seasons with the Minnesota Twins, but didn’t put up big numbers until he reached Boston. He hit 445 home runs and over 1,400 RBI in his 13 seasons. What kind of production can you expect from him in 2016? 

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Ortiz has been a constant in fantasy baseball. He has hit at least 20 home runs in every season since 2002, and in that span he has nine seasons with at least 100 RBI. His age 39 season was his best season since 2006.

He hit 37 home runs, 108 RBI, 95 strikeouts and 77 walks with a .273 batting average in 146 games. His games played was the most he has played since 2011. I did an Ortiz projection article for last season. I predicted 32 HR/101 RBI/.268 as a sixth-round pick, so I wasn’t that far off. He had a 62.5 ADP in ESPN leagues.

The reason David Ortiz has been able to play as long as he has is because he is mostly used as a designated hitter. In his last five seasons, Ortiz has started a collective 29 games at first base. Throughout his career, he has 264 starts at first and 1870 as the DH. The lack of playing time on defense most likely saved Ortiz’s knees and other body parts.

At the end of the season, David Ortiz finished as the No. 2 DH on the Player Rater, only behind Prince Fielder (he played just 18 games at first base). With Hanley Ramirez slated to be the first baseman entering next year, Ortiz has the DH spot all locked up.

Next: Jon Lester: Top-20 Pitcher in 2016

Even at the age of 40, David Ortiz is still one of the game’s best hitters. He is very capable of hitting another 35 home runs and 100 RBI next season. The Red Sox offense was one of the best in the league, top five in runs, hits, RBI and batting average. With a healthy Pablo Sandoval and Dustin Pedroia, Ortiz will be protected in that lineup. While some players decline in their final seasons, Ortiz is still ticking and will be a top 40 hitter in 2016.

Projections: 135 hits, 34 home runs, 103 RBI, .267 batting average

Draft: Round 6