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Red Sox: Five potential DH replacements if J.D. Martinez is traded

By Tim Starr

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after striking out swinging in the fourth inning of Game Four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after striking out swinging in the fourth inning of Game Four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 04: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after an RBI single off Jack Flaherty #22 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning in game two of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 04: Josh Donaldson #20 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after an RBI single off Jack Flaherty #22 of the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning in game two of the National League Division Series at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Donaldson

Josh Donaldson reunited with his good buddy, Alex Anthopoulos, last offseason, signing a 1-year, $23 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Braves. Donaldson rebuilt his value and is now set to get a multi-year deal with big bucks.

After only playing 52 games in 2018, the former MVP flipped the script by playing 155 games and producing a 6.1 WAR season. Donaldson is soon to be 34 years old, so teams may be cautious. Donaldson will also have a qualifying offer attached to him.

Because this may be Donaldson’s last shot at a multi-year deal, the Red Sox may be able to swoop in and get him to sign a contract for less than what he’s really worth. Owning a career 136 OPS+, the foot-steps of Martinez may not be as large for Donaldson to shadow.

Rafael Devers, the current Sox third baseman, can learn from the former MVP how to improve defensively and offensively. Donaldson can be a mentor to the young duo on the left side of the infield.

Overall, Donaldson showed he still has some gas left in the tank and the offers he receives from teams will reflect that. Ultimately, a team will have their heart set on the third baseman and make him an offer he can’t resist.

The Cardinals, who advanced to the NLCS, may sign Donaldson to put themselves over the top. They will receive fierce competition from the Braves who loved his bat in the middle of the order in 2019.

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