Red Sox Designated Hitter
The man, the myth, the legend, J.D. Martinez. Ladies and Gentleman this is one of the best hitters to grace a batter’s box in some time. Not just for what he does while at the plate, but for what he does before and after as well. Martinez is constantly taking notes on pitchers that he’s faced, working on his timing, and watching his own batting practice to see his mechanics.
It took the Red Sox a few years to find someone that could fill the massive shoes of David Ortiz when it came to the DH, and they’ve got that guy in J.D. Sadly, as great as his time in Boston has been, his days are likely numbered.
2020 will give fans the first glimpses into the universal DH as both leagues will now offer the position. This rule was initially included for 2021 but in the final agreement was only instituted for 2020.
He has the ability to opt-out of his contract after both 2020 and 2021, meaning he can walk once the season ends. If the Red Sox have another miserable campaign he very well may test the waters of free agency not that he can ply his trade in the NL without needing to play in the field.
I’m hoping Chaim Bloom can restructure his deal and keep J.D. with Boston for the longterm as the slugger has made it clear he wants to stay, but money is tight in Beantown right now.
If Martinez decides to walk, that’s his right and I can’t hold it against him. I can, however, hold it against Dave Dombrowski for putting those clauses in his contract. What a dummy. It took the Red Sox a handful of years to find their next DH, and it could take even longer now that the NL is about to add the position.