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5 trade deadline destinations for Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez

By Sean Penney

BOSTON, MA - JULY 24: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Fenway Park on July 24, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JULY 24: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning at Fenway Park on July 24, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) /
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Red Sox JD Martinez
Aug 28, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) hits an RBI double during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Red Sox could trade Martinez to the Cleveland Guardians

Cleveland is only one game ahead of the Red Sox after splitting a series in Boston this week but they are 2.5 games out of the Wild Card and they lead the pack among teams chasing the final spot. They are also only two games behind the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central division so they should be looking to buy.

The Guardians are 29th in the majors with 73 wRC+ and -0.8 WAR from the DH position. The role has primarily been filled by Franmil Reyes, who is hitting .216 with a .618 OPS. Reyes has impressive raw power that has produced a pair of 30+ homer seasons in his young career but he only has nine so far this season with a career-low .360 SLG and .144 ISO.

Cleveland’s offense is middle of the pack in runs scored with a plainly average 100 wRC+ and .308 wOBA. They need a big bat to pair with MVP candidate Jose Ramirez if they intend to be a legitimate contender.

Martinez is a proven commodity who upgrades their DH spot while allowing them to pick their spots with the struggling Reyes, who occasionally sees time in the outfield and can provide some depth at a thin corner position.

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