Former Dodgers All-Star Could Reportedly Be On Trade Block This Season
Former Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed slugger and All-Star J.D. Martinez could be on the move as we approach the trade deadline. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Martinez could be on the move this season, along with long-time Met and first baseman Pete Alonso.
Nightengale reported in his latest column.
While the Mets say they still have intentions of being a playoff team this year, GMs remain convinced the Mets will still make first baseman Pete Alonso and DH J.D. Martinez available in talks before the July 30 trade deadline.
— Bob Nightengale, via USA Today
Martinez signed with the New York Mets after one season with the Dodgers in 2023. The 36-year-old signed late in the offseason; spring training camps had already commenced when he inked a deal on March 23. He started the season with the team’s Triple-A Syracuse affiliate to begin the year in order to prepare for major-league game action. Martinez was called up by the Mets on April 26 after getting more than enough time to prep for the season.
The righty slugger is doing his job, slashing .315/.359/.466 with an .825 OPS, two home runs, and nine RBIs in 73 at-bats and 21 games. As for the Mets, they are experiencing another slow start to the season. As of Sunday, the team sits 21-25, third in the National League East.
The six-time All-Star is used to moving around. He’s played for six teams in his major league career dating back to 2011 and has been vital to every team he’s been a part of, from the Houston Astros to the Detriot Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Dodgers, and now the Mets.
The Mets’ struggles are mainly due to their pitching. Martinez, being on a one-year deal, is a prime candidate to use as a trade piece. A return to the Dodgers seems unlikely, though, as L.A. already has their DH position filled for the next 10 seasons.
Martinez could be one of the most coveted trade targets in the league as we approach the July 30 trade deadline — just not by the Dodgers. They’re OK at designated hitter.
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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