Papi playing like a kid

At the start of the 2016 season, David Ortiz announced that he would retire at the end of the year. The 40-year-old designated hitter has played parts of 20 seasons in the Majors, 14 of which have been with the Boston Red Sox. Although most players experience a drop off in production after their mid-30s, Ortiz has continued to perform at a high level. Over his last three seasons, Ortiz has averaged 34 home runs and 105 RBIs. In 2015, Ortiz hit 37 home runs, the most for him in a season since he hit 54 in 2006.

This year, Ortiz is off to a torrid start, hitting .337 with 14 homers and a Major League leading 47 RBIs. He has been a key cog in the Red Sox’s lineup that includes Jackie Bradley Jr., Dustin Pedroia and Xander Bogaerts. The Red Sox as a team lead the Major Leagues in average (.295), RBIs (290), runs (302), hits (537) and doubles (133), and their success at the plate has shot them into first place in the AL East.

Ortiz has also been moving up the milestone lists, four home runs away from tying Ted Williams, Frank Thomas and Jimmy Foxx for 19^th all-time. He is 27^th all-time for RBIs with 1688, and 11^th all-time with 607 doubles. His numbers are Hall-of-Fame worthy, and only time will tell if he is voted in.

There is no doubt Ortiz is playing like he was 25-years-old, and his numbers are some of the best in the league. If he keeps this level of production up, Ortiz will be a front-runner in the AL MVP race.