Red Sox: Potential landings spots if J.D. Martinez opts-out

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JUNE 14: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox hits a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fifth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 14, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

National League

The chances of any of the 15 National League teams signing Martinez are extremely slim to virtually none. Without the presence of a designated hitter at those ballparks, it’s hard to imagine them pursuing a 32-year-old ballplayer who poses a huge defensive liability.

Throughout the months of August and September this past season, making some of the most routine plays in the corner outfield proved to be extremely difficult for Martinez. Not to mention the fact he has had a negative dWAR his entire career outside of his rookie season, including a -1.6 during his limited outfield time in 2019 alone.

Another daunting question is whether there could be legitimate injury concerns? He had a foot injury that landed him on the DL in 2017 for six weeks. As well as lingering back spasms early in the 2019 season.

It’s just hard to imagine any team in the National League giving him not only a four or five-year deal but one at BIG money. I just don’t see it.

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