J.D. Martinez – over/under 40 home runs.
Brandon Carusillo – Over. This may be a generous prediction for Martinez’s first season in a major market like Boston, but I think he’s going to thrive here. The Red Sox have an excellent lineup on paper, and that will provide plenty of protection for Martinez to produce. If he can block out Boston’s media, he should produce big numbers. Key word: If.
Rick McNair – Over on this one, but barely. Look for 42/110 and the rest of the order will get a jolt from having the return of a very big bat.
Cole Witaszek – Over. Martinez hit 45 homers in 119 games. Yes, Martinez played in some pretty good parks for right handed hitters, but Fenway’s a pretty solid hitters park for pull-happy righties and if he’s healthy he will have an extra 30 games to hit five fewer home runs. I’ll take that bet.
Josh Greenberg – Over. He should be able to pass this one comfortably if he’s healthy. He hit 45 in a shortened season last year, and will call a hitter’s park in Fenway home. The high-40s are reachable.
Bryson Gordon – I’m taking the over on this one. Martinez has been one of the best pure hitters in baseball for the last few years and he finally seems to be over his old foot injury. I expect him to play closer to 140 games this year and in that, he will hit around 42 home runs.
Stephen Coelho – Over. My projections have Martinez hitting 42 home runs this year. I doubt he’ll perform at the level he did at hitter friendly Chase Field, but DH, Fenway, and being in a good lineup should suit him well.
Hunter Noll – Under. I think Martinez is going to have a monster year, but more along the lines of Adrian Gonzalez‘s first year with the Red Sox. Martinez will hit more than 27 homers (I’m guessing in the 35 range), but will also rack up the doubles and post a fantastic OPS.