It is a reality that all Boston fans must face: David Ortiz will one day be gone.
Now, that day may not be coming in the foreseeable future, as the Red Sox and Ortiz are close to finalizing a two-year agreement, but Ortiz is currently 36 years old and his clock is ticking.
That doesn’t mean that anyone has forgotten how important Ortiz has been to the Boston sports community. Not only is David Ortiz one of the greatest designated hitters of all-time and potential first-ballot Hall of Famer, he was also instrumental in helping the Red Sox win their first title in 86 years.
However, entering a year that is going to be pivotal in a changing baseball climate, here are 10 reasons the Red Sox need to bid Papi a fond farewell.