J.D. Martinez can highly be recognized for his success when he played for the Boston Red Sox. In 2018, the Red Sox signed Martinez to a 5-year $110m contract to exclusively DH at 30 years old. The 37-year-old is a six-time All-Star, a three-time silver slugger winner, and a 2018 World Series title with the Red Sox. In 2018, the Red Sox signed Martinez to a 5-year $110 million contract to exclusively DH at 30 years old. Martinez showcased a strong 2023 season, hitting .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs with the LA Dodgers which was impressive at the age of 36 years old. He is a smart hitter with strong batted ball metrics, average exit velocity, and a solid barrel rate.
Three-Time Silver Slugger Seeks Bounce Back
Martinez is one of the top free agents on the market this offseason. Martinez’s approach to hitting includes studying a lot, knowing what to look for, and sharing his approach with teammates. Martinez also holds decent postseason numbers in his career, with a .285 batting average of 39 hits, 10 home runs, 34 RBIs, and 16 runs scored in 41 games. Making him an experienced veteran that a team can pick up this offseason. Or if a team is looking to add a veteran to provide leadership to younger players on a roster. Free agent DH Martinez has also had an above-average OPS+ every full season since 2013.
Landing Spots For Martinez
New York Mets
The aging designated hitter still has some offense pop to his bat, and his veteran presence and experience could have him remain with the Mets. Entering 2025, Martinez is still looking for an opportunity to prove his value at 37 years old, and he could do that with a return to the Mets. Also, coming off a 2024 season where he injured his ankle and elbow and also dealt with the flu, his playing time was impacted, making it a down season.
Texas Rangers
Martinez would be a veteran who could provide depth for the Texas Rangers and help them rebound their 2024 season. Martinez could also be an affordable player that they could pick up for $12 million. In addition, the Rangers look to be contenders in 2025.
Miami Marlins
With new manager Clayton McCullough in 2025, the Marlins roster would benefit from adding a veteran such as Martinez. While the Marlins are far from a contending team in 2025, they are looking to rebuild, and the idea of Martinez playing for his hometown and being close to home could be an enticing factor weighing in for him.
