Boston Red Sox

David Ortiz finally addresses rumors that he'll un-retire

Published Jan. 16, 2017 1:02 p.m. ET

Lindsey Foltin

Not everyone believes that David Ortiz is truly ready to hang up his cleats... Except for Big Papi himself.

The newly retired Red Sox slugger may have fueled speculation that he'll play in 2017 with a series of cryptic social media posts this offseason, but Ortiz finally put the rumors to bed on Monday, telling ESPN Deportes that his decision hasn't changed.

"My playing time has already expired," Ortiz told to ESPN Deportes.

The 41-year-old slugger said that for the first time in more than two decades, he is not physically preparing to play baseball this offseason.

"Baseball is not something that you wake up today and you say, 'I'll play tomorrow,'" Ortiz said "Baseball is something that carries a lot of sacrifice, a lot of preparation, and there is a reason why we train the entire year to play it, practice every day, especially during the season, because it is a sport of consistency."