PHOENIX – The first major free agent of the offseason is off the board as Victor Martinez agreed to re-sign with the Tigers on a four-year, $68 million contract.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski had called Martinez the team’s “priority” this offseason. Dombrowski said if Detroit lost the designated hitter/first baseman, it had no internal option to replace him and might have to add two hitters from the outside. Instead, the Tigers are going to be able to keep together what Dombrowski called “best 3-4-5 in the majors” with Martinez at cleanup, Miguel Cabrera ahead of him and J.D. Martinez at fifth.

The removal of Victor Martinez from the market has a ripple effect. It was believed the Mariners were very interested in the switch-hitter and perhaps the White Sox, as well.

Martinez turns 36 next month. But he is coming off his best season. He hit .335 and led the AL in on-base percentage (.409) and OPS (.974) while delivering 32 homers and 103 RBIs.