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A common fear among Red Sox fans is always, “What if he ends up in pinstripes?” The Bronx Bombers have a multitude of issues they will need to address coming into the 2020 season, too many to consider them as a serious landing spot for Martinez.
For starters, they were over the luxury tax in 2019. Giancarlo Stanton is still owed north of $200 million. More ominously, the former Miami Marlin was limited to just 18 games due to multiple injuries this past season, and likely figures to be New York’s full-time DH going forward.
GM Brian Cashman will also have to make some tough decisions on whether to bring back long-time outfielder Brett Gardner, and power-hitting shortstop Didi Gregorius.
Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez are eligible for arbitration this winter for the first time. It’s logical to believe that the Yankees will make both players a high priority in terms of locking them up to long-term deals as they approach free agency.
Per SNY’s Andy Martino, the Yankees are also going to be aggressive in the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes.
Many insiders have projected the 29-year-old ace pitcher will earn as high as $300 million, which would shatter the previous record contract for a pitcher of $217 million signed by David Price. It’s tough to imagine that given this recently expressed goal, on top of their current financial constraints, that Martinez will be found anywhere on the Yankees radar.
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The Houston Astros famously designated Martinez for assignment back in 2013 before revamping his swing/mechanics and rising to prominence in Detroit.
Houston does not have a big track record of signing players to long term contracts. The only veteran player currently on their roster signed beyond the next two years is Jose Altuve, who’s five-year extension kicks in this coming season.
2017 World Series MVP George Springer is entering the final year of his contract. It remains to be seen if Houston intends to make him a priority. As well as Carlos Correa after 2021.
Given the Astros knack for their uncanny way of identifying great value, much like they did with Michael Brantley at two years, $32 million, it would defy their business model to suddenly take a chance on Martinez.