Big Papi loves Martinez addition for Red Sox: 'We needed some thunder'

The greatest clutch hitter in Boston Red Sox history gave his stamp of approval for the man set to step into his old role.

David Ortiz arrived to spring training camp Wednesday to serve as an adviser to the club and boasted about the signing of J.D. Martinez and how it was necessary for the team to add a slugger after suffering a significant power outage last season following his retirement.

"We needed some thunder," Ortiz said, according to Ian Browne of MLB.com. "You guys know how I feel about putting thunder in the middle of the lineup. If you want to compete in this division, you have to do that. You guys saw how the Yankees loaded up. These guys ain't playing games, man. We need to try to keep up with that offense and I know we're going to be capable of it."

Ortiz hit 38 home runs, 48 doubles, and posted an absurd 1.021 OPS in 2016 to help pace the highest scoring offense in baseball. The following season, the Red Sox saw their offense drop to 10th in runs scored, while finishing last in the American League in home runs.

Martinez's addition should certainly help alleviate some power concerns. He's averaged 32 home runs over the past four seasons, and is coming off a 45-homer year despite playing in just 119 games.

Not only does Ortiz love Martinez's power, but he also believes his makeup is exactly what is needed in order to succeed in Boston. Martinez was released by the Astros in 2014, only to become one of the best hitters in baseball since landing in Detroit.

"His career has basically been like mine," Ortiz said. "You go from underdog to superstar and you don't forget where you come from, and I believe in those types of players. And I know those players come in and don't take things for granted and give their best. So I like having J.D. here."