Designated Hitter
This is the territory of Martinez and Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton has already been targeted by the New York fans for his ability to accumulate strikeouts in bunches. That, of course, will change once Stanton goes on a tear. Both wander to the outfield, but both are clearly DH material based on the defensive outfield talent of both teams. So for the sake of comparison that is what they will be. And both are in a nice K race whiffing almost ⅓ of their plate appearances.
Martinez is as advertised and is hitting well above .300 just as he has three of his last four seasons. Like Stanton expect the strikeouts, but also expect a batting average that is praiseworthy. They will be compared to each other as long as they remain with their teams.
Both have hit five home runs and JDM has 22 RBI to Stanton’s 15 RBI. Martinez has never been a big walk guy with a season-high of just 53 (twice). Stanton – despite his prodigious power – has never topped the 100 walk plateau. This season Stanton has 12 free passes and Martinez just seven. What stands out is Martinez’s .443 BABIP compared to Stanton’s .323.
April Edge: Red Sox
Season End Prediction: Red Sox since Martinez will hit .300+ and Stanton never has.