Veteran slugger J.D. Martinez is in agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers on a contract for the 2023 season. The deal is for one year and $10 million, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Saturday. The club has not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical. The last time Martinez was a free agent was after the 2017 season. That winter, he signed a five-year contract with the Boston Red Sox that proved quite beneficial for both sides. The Florida native batted .292/.363/.526 with 130 home runs over those five seasons. He also made four All-Star appearances and won two Silver Slugger Awards (both in 2018, when he won at both outfield and DH). The Dodgers are getting someone who can add depth to their lineup with the addition of J.D. Martinez.
J.D. Martinez Signs with Dodgers
J.D. Martinez played a key role in the Red Sox’ 2018 championship and ‘21 run to the ALCS. In 23 postseason games with Boston, he had a slash line of .317/.420/.585 with six homers and 24 RBI. The 2022 season, however, was a different story, as he went through a bit of a decline. That was particularly noticeable in the power department.
He hit 43 doubles in 139 games, but his 16 home runs and .448 slugging percentage represented significant declines. From 2017-19, Martinez averaged 41 big flies. It will be very interesting to see if the move to Los Angeles gives him his power back. Dodgers fans are hoping that J.D. Martinez can produce similar results for them.
Defensive Issues
Fielding has also been a problem for Martinez. The Red Sox used him exclusively as a DH in 2022. Dating back to the 2018 season, Martinez has played only 137 games in the outfield and posted minus 12 Outs Above Average. Martinez was selected in the 20th round of the 2009 Draft by the Houston Astros out of Nova Southeastern University. J.D. Martinez made his major league debut in 2011. He spent time with Houston from 2011-13, but struggled at the plate and was released during Spring Training 2014. He has also had stints with the Detroit Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Time will tell if J.D. Martinez rebounds with the Dodgers.
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