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Red Sox Predictions: Five teams that should trade for J.D. Martinez

By Tim Starr

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox grounds out during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 26: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox grounds out during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game Three of the 2018 World Series at Dodger Stadium on October 26, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 23: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base during a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 23, 2019 in San Diego, California. Teams are wearing special color schemed uniforms with players choosing nicknames to display for Players’ Weekend. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 23: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox runs to first base during a game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 23, 2019 in San Diego, California. Teams are wearing special color schemed uniforms with players choosing nicknames to display for Players’ Weekend. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies had a disappointing 2019 season. After spending well over $400 million last offseason, there was a World Series level expectation. Then, 2019 came and went and the Phillies had an 81-81 record, good for a fourth place finish.

Trading for Martinez could be an option as it may push them overboard by making them a threat to the World-Series reigning Washington Nationals. With a crowded outfield that already includes Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen, Martinez would slot into left field.

Martinez carries the offensive tools like no one on the free agent market (Anthony Rendon excluded) and would be a major splash for the Phillies. While Martinez isn’t a great fielder, the Phillies support a nice cast of outfielders to go along with him. McCutchen is a good defender and Harper was in the final three for the Gold Glove Award in 2019.

Martinez, often cited as a hitting guru, would be able to help the young core of Philadelphia that include Harper, Rhys Hoskins, and JT Realmuto. Martinez’s contract would be no worry, as the Phillies, a big market team, can afford to add some payroll this offseason.

However, the Phillies would likely not make Martinez their top choice due to his inconsistent fielding and that McCutchen is likely a left fielder now, due to his age.

Prediction: The Phillies target starting pitching instead of targeting Martinez

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