Víctor Martínez’s contract with the Detroit Tigers is now official. According to ESPNDeportes.com’s Enrique Rojas, Martinez has passed his physical. He has agreed to a $50 million, four-year deal. Martinez will make $12 million in 2011, $13 million in 2012 and 2013 and $12 million 2014.

José Grasso Vecchio’s Twitter feed (LVBP President-Venezuelan winter league president) was the first to report that the Venezuelan catcher will sign with the Detroit Tigers.  He adds that the contract will be a four-year deal worth $50 million.  The Tigers had made it known that Martinez was their top target this off-season.

Because Martinez is a Type-A free agent, the Red Sox will now receive the 19th overall draft pick and a supplemental first-round pick for losing Martinez.

Martinez produced close to his career norms for the Boston Red Sox this year, batting .302 with 20 HR’s and 79 RBI’s. Martinez, who turns 32 next month, would like to catch as much as possible. The subject of playing time behind the plate is certain to come up in discussions between the Tigers and representatives for Martinez.

The biggest drawback to Martinez is a below-average throwing arm. But he still started an average of 94 games at catcher during the past two seasons. The Tigers should be able to accommodate at least that number of starts, with Martinez spending the rest of his time as a designated hitter.

Detroit has two advantages with Martinez. He is familiar with living in the Midwest, having played with the Indians, and the Tigers are one of the most popular teams in Martinez’ native Venezuela, because of fellow countrymen Carlos Guillen, Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordoñez.