Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez
I’m going to give you all a few moments to yell at your computers and possibly even throw something. Once you’re done getting your anger out at my suggestion of trading J.D. Martinez, hear me out. The slugger can opt-out of his current deal at the end of this season, giving him the free pass to leave and never look back. So with him possibly becoming a free agent, now was the time to help him on his way.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox Nation deserves far more from Fenway Sports Group
- Bizarre trade deadline comes back to haunt Red Sox after Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
I just want to say that I love me some J.D., not only is he a great clubhouse guy but he’s a strong mentor and one hell of a baseball player. But his age is getting up there and his days in the field are getting numbered. With the Universal DH likely staying beyond this season, his suitors just jumped to being the entire league. Though his deal in Boston pays him pretty damn well, with more options on the menu, why wouldn’t he look around?
This hasn’t quite been the best season for Martinez and you can see the frustration on his face each and every night. He’s someone who is more machine than man and is used to crushing baseballs without a second thought. Well, he hasn’t quite done that this year and owns a depressing .208/.299/.375/.674 line with just 3 homers and 15 RBI.
Add in the fact that the Red Sox let one of his best friends leave via free agency and shipped the other off the Hollywood, and 2020 has sucked big for the slugger. Despite the rough numbers his ceiling is still insanely high and he could always get things to click at a moment’s notice. If the right package was offered for Martinez then Chaim should’ve agreed to the terms.
The only way I can see him not wanting to trade J.D. is if the DH gave a heads up that he was opting-in for 2021. He may want to stay in Boston as both the organization and city seem to be the first of his career to fully embrace him. He’s become like a second hitting coach to numerous players on the team even if he isn’t mashing himself. If Boston has the confidence he’s staying then not trading him makes sense, but if there’s even a shadow of a doubt, then he needed to be moved.