Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago White Sox - June 26, 2015

Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) celebrates with teammates after scoring a run against the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit on June 26, 2015.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Detroit Tigers want to sign J.D. Martinez to a long-term deal.

Just not right now.

The Tigers reiterated Monday that they remain interested in discussing a contract extension with Martinez before the start of the season. But Tigers assistant general manager John Westhoff said Monday that the team has yet to initiate talks.

"We are open to it, for sure," Westhoff said in the club's suite at the Gaylord Opryland hotel. "But our focus now is on helping the club through free agency."

Westhoff's comments are similar to the comments made by Tigers general manager Al Avila during his end-of-the-season luncheon in early October. At the time, Avila expressed interest in the idea of extending Martinez beyond 2017.

His interest hasn't disappeared the last two months.

"We'd like to do that," Avila repeated Monday.

Martinez was tendered a contract by the Tigers last week and is projected to earn $7.4 million in his second season of arbitration, according to MLBTradeRumors.com -- a significant increase from the $3 million he earned last season.

The Tigers will have until early February to work out a deal with Martinez, who is represented by Select Sports Group. If an agreement isn't reached independently, a salary arbitration hearing will be scheduled in February to have the case settled.

The Tigers don't necessarily need to lock up Martinez to a long-term deal this offseason. The 28-year-old is under team control through the 2017 season. However, extending Martinez this offseason would essentially assure the Tigers that he would not be able to bolt for a big deal elsewhere after the 2017 season.

"There will be time for (talks)," Westhoff said. "Let's get through the winter meetings and get the club set before we tackle our arbitration-eligible players."

Martinez hit .282 with 38 home runs, 102 RBIs and an .879 OPS this past season.

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