Dodgers News: LA Officially Signs J.D. Martinez, DFA’s Jake Reed
The Dodgers made their J.D. Martinez signing official on Thursday. They took to Twitter to announce that they signed him to a one-year, $10 million deal for next season — and in order to make room on their 40-man roster, RHP Jake Reed was designated for assignment.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with DH/OF J.D. Martinez on a one-year contract for $10 million dollars for the 2023 season. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated RHP Jake Reed for assignment.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 29, 2022
Martinez will be a huge addition to the Dodgers’ lineup. Last year with the Red Sox, the 35-year-old slugger hit .274 with 16 home runs, 62 RBIs and 43 doubles. In 2021, he was even better, slashing .286 with 28 home runs, 99 RBIs and 42 doubles.
It is interesting to note the Dodgers called Martinez a designated hitter and outfielder in the tweet. Martinez used to play left and right field, but didn’t play a single game in the outfield in 2022. In 2021, Martinez appeared in just 36 games in the outfield, so it feels unlikely he spends much time out there with the Dodgers. But it did feel a little unlike the Dodgers to sign a full-time DH, so it’ll be interesting to see what their plan ends up being.
Welcome to Los Angeles, @JDMartinez28! pic.twitter.com/4GzkBuRTMl
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 29, 2022
As for Reed, he was making his third stint with L.A. in just two seasons. He’ll now head right back to the free agent pool, looking to latch onto another team. However, knowing his history, he’ll probably find his way back to the Dodgers at some point this season.
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Yay….
Hmmmm … huge addition indeed. Let’s see:
(JD) .274 BA, 16 HR, 76 R, 62 RBI – slash 341/448/790 with 1.1 WAR and OPS+ 117
vs
(JT) .278 BA, 13 HR, 61 R, 81 RBI – slash 350/438/788 with 2.0 WAR and OPS+ 116
Let’s call it what it is: a statistical push without considering the loss in the clubhouse or community.
This while hoping at 35 JD will revert to the hitter he was 5 years ago. I hope I’m wrong – and everyone is free to tell me so at the end of next season – but I’m not. Signing him in place of JT was a mistake.
Yep, I agree.
Another underwhelming move by the FO. So far, this club’s winter is going about as well as the Donner party’s.
The Dodgers without JT?? I’ve been a Dodgers’ fan since 1945, and this time they Totally made the the wrong choice!!