Well, I'd have to disagree with you. Based on stats and defensive ability, you're correct. But I said he'll be the most revered Red Sox player ever, not the best statistically.
Ted Williams never won a world series. Neither did Carl Yastrzemski, both listed as one and two respectively in the all time greats of the Sox.
David Ortiz has been on two World Series teams, possibly on his way to a third, and though he's in his zenith his career isn't even over--he's a guy who can consistently turn games and series around with one swing of his bat at the right time.
Well, he is 37 years old, turning 38 in a few weeks. Players of his size don't generally tend to age well. He was hurt a lot early in his career, which might mean he'll still have some more gas in the tank. Hard to tell.
His comparable players at Baseball-Reference.com are interesting, because no one compares really well with him:
Carlos Delgado (929)
Jason Giambi (903)
Paul Konerko (860)
Jeff Bagwell (854)
Jim Edmonds (853)
Andres Galarraga (848)
Juan Gonzalez (844)
Lance Berkman (842)
Jose Canseco (840)
Willie Stargell (833) * (HOF)
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/o/ortizda01.shtml9 time All-Star, and should the Sox win the World Series, he'll be a 3-time winner. Players who have been primarly DH's haven't fared extremely well in the balloting, such as Edgar Martinez.
Papi will be treated with special care by the voters because of the above extras. If he can accumulate some more numbers in key categories the next couple years, his overall stats will look a little different but materially will still be the same. For instance, he could cross over the 500 HR barrier, as well as coming close to 2,500 career hits. Those are still "psychological" counting statistics that sadly some voters still consider important.
I haven't done a study, nor do I have time at the moment, but he will certainly be an interesting case when he becomes eligible in 2020 or thereabouts.
Any clue if he is planning on retiring?