A significant portion of the offseason attention is still focused on the group known as the “Boras four”: Cody Bellinger, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and Matt Chapman. These four players, along with J.D. Martinez, who is also a top 20 free agent according to MLBTR, have yet to sign contracts as Spring Training begins. While Martinez may not have the same earning potential as his younger counterparts, he is still a valuable player represented by the Boras Corporation and is coming off an impressive season.
Martinez has always faced some limitations in the market due to his age (36) and limited defensive playing time in recent years. Some teams may be hesitant to commit to an aging designated hitter. However, Martinez can make a strong case for being the best unsigned offensive player available. Unlike Bellinger and Chapman, who derive a significant portion of their value from their defensive abilities, Martinez can provide an immediate offensive boost to teams looking for short-term solutions in their lineup.
So, which teams could be potential landing spots for Martinez?
Angels: The Angels may not be able to replace the production of Shohei Ohtani at the designated hitter position, but Martinez could be the closest approximation. According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, the Angels are not actively seeking a full-time designated hitter and may prefer to rotate players like Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon through the position to ensure their health. However, the Angels have only made one addition to their lineup so far (Aaron Hicks), despite Ohtani’s MVP season. This lack of activity seems contradictory to the team’s claims of wanting to compete in 2024, as stated by GM Perry Minasian and owner Arte Moreno.
Mets: Throughout the offseason, the Mets have been frequently linked to Martinez. Mike Puma of the New York Post reported a few weeks ago that the two parties are still in contact. However, Will Sammon of the Athletic suggests that these discussions may be more of a due diligence process for the Mets. They are likely waiting to see if the asking price for Martinez falls before making a final decision. In the meantime, the Mets are considering 24-year-old Mark Vientos as a potential contributor to their lineup in the coming years, as they aim to build a contending team by 2025 and beyond. While the door may not be completely closed, the Mets are taking a patient approach.
Cubs: It would come as a surprise if Martinez is the final free agent that the Cubs acquire. The Cubs have been more frequently linked to Bellinger and Chapman, both of whom are better fits for the team’s roster. If the Cubs believe that Morel and Busch can handle the infield corners, it would potentially open up the designated hitter position. However, this would limit the coaching staff’s defensive options. Despite the recent exchange between Boras and Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts regarding Bellinger, there is no indication that it would prevent the Cubs from pursuing any of Boras’ clients.
Guardians: If Martinez’s extended time on the market leads to a decrease in his asking price, the Guardians could take advantage of the opportunity. They have previously signed first base/designated hitter types like Encarnación and Bell in free agency. Although the Bell signing last winter did not work out, it does not mean that they couldn’t find success with Martinez. The Guardians currently have Naylor and Manzardo, a highly-regarded prospect, as potential options for first base/designated hitter. Manzardo, who was acquired in a trade last summer, has not yet made his MLB debut. If Martinez accepts a one-year deal similar to last year’s $10MM guarantee, it would make sense for Cleveland to consider signing him and keeping Manzardo in Triple-A for another season.
Padres: Similar to other teams in their tier, the Padres’ main concern is their spending capacity. They have a need for at least one outfielder and want to solidify the back end of their pitching rotation. The Padres are projected to be approximately $20MM below the luxury tax threshold and reportedly intend to stay below that limit. This leaves the possibility of adding Martinez open, but he would likely consume a significant portion of their remaining luxury tax space. Considering their multiple areas of need and the desire to have payroll flexibility for midseason acquisitions, it would be challenging for the Padres to make a substantial investment in a designated hitter.
Red Sox: On paper, it seems like a good fit for the Red Sox to bring Martinez back. They were loosely connected to similar players such as Hernández and Soler. The team’s chief baseball officer has expressed the desire for another right-handed hitter. However, MassLive’s Chris Cotillo recently downplayed the fit, suggesting that Martinez’s unconventional methods were not universally embraced within the clubhouse during his previous tenure with the Red Sox.
Twins: If Martinez’s market value drops significantly, the Twins could potentially enter the picture. The Twins ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of production against left-handed pitching last year. They signed Santana to a $5.25MM deal to split playing time between first base and designated hitter with Kirilloff. However, Martinez is a much more accomplished hitter than Santana, which could lead to Santana being relegated to the bench. The main obstacle could be Buxton, who is transitioning back to center field after being limited to designated hitter duties due to knee injuries in 2023. Would the Twins be confident enough in Buxton’s physical condition to sign a designated hitter? They have a projected payroll in the range of $124MM, with a reported spending target of $125-140MM for the offseason.
Several teams that could have been potential suitors for Martinez have chosen to add a starting designated hitter through other means. The Dodgers, Blue Jays, Giants, Mariners, and Diamondbacks were all previously logical options but are now more challenging fits.
The Pirates were never likely to meet Martinez’s asking price and instead re-signed Andrew McCutchen. Milwaukee’s signing of Rhys Hoskins was primarily a direct addition at first base, although he is also a right-handed hitter with limited defensive flexibility. The Brewers have several outfielders who could potentially rotate Christian Yelich to the designated hitter position, and they have also reached an agreement with Gary Sánchez on a one-year deal as a backup catcher/designated hitter option. (Milwaukee has yet to officially announce the Sánchez contract, even though it was reported almost two weeks ago.)
The Phillies, Braves, and Astros all have established starters. The Orioles, Cardinals, Reds, and Rays do not have a set designated hitter but have multiple options who could rotate through the position. The Yankees could theoretically pursue Martinez and move Giancarlo Stanton to the bench, but it is unlikely due to Stanton’s remaining salary and the additional tax they would have to pay. The Royals signed Hunter Renfroe for a corner outfield spot and likely intend to give regular playing time to MJ Melendez and Nelson Velázquez between left field and designated hitter.
A few teams have potential openings at designated hitter but have already stated that they are unlikely to make any significant acquisitions for the remainder of the offseason. Tigers GM Scott Harris mentioned last week that the team does not have many at-bats available for another everyday-type hitter, so they will likely rely on Kerry Carpenter as the primary designated hitter.
The Rangers lost Garver in free agency but appear to be limited by their spending capacity. Wyatt Langford, last year’s #4 overall pick, is close to being ready for the major leagues. If the Rangers want Langford to gain more experience in Triple-A, they could rotate several players through the designated hitter position. The Nationals have been relatively inactive this winter and could potentially add another hitter. However, GM Mike Rizzo essentially stated that their offseason is finished. Martinez may prioritize joining a more obvious contender regardless.
The White Sox, A’s, and Rockies are not expected to compete for a playoff spot in 2024. Among the three, only the Athletics have fully embraced a rebuild. Although the White Sox and Rockies are not aggressively making additions, Martinez likely does not want to sign with a team that is clearly not a contender at this stage of his career.
Miami lost Soler and has not acquired a new designated hitter. The Marlins have not signed any major league free agents at all. This has been a disappointing offseason for the fanbase following a surprising Wild Card berth. Considering their lack of activity, it is difficult to envision them bringing in Martinez, even though he would be a reasonable replacement for their biggest offseason departure.
According to the Source mlbtraderumors.com