BOSTON (AP) — The Red Sox are exercising their $12.5 million option on designated hitter David Ortiz.

The team announced Thursday it decided to keep the slugger, who got off to slow starts the past two seasons but finished strongly both times. Ortiz has expressed a preference for a long-term deal, which has not been ruled out by the club.

The 34-year-old Ortiz led Boston with 32 homers and tied for the team lead with 102 RBIs in 2010 while batting .270. He also was chosen for the AL All-Star team.