MLB Insider Has Dodgers Competing With 2 West Coast Teams for JD Martinez, Including Division Rival
One of the more productive members of the Dodgers from this past season was slugger J.D. Martinez, who signed a one-year deal with the team for just $10 million. He was the steal of the offseason, and he now will likely receive a multi-year deal on the open market.
Martinez came to LA to boost his value around the league, and it worked to perfection. He helped set the record for this Dodgers offense, and his bat unlocked something that LA had been missing.
MLB insider Jon Morosi appeared on MLB Network and listed three teams interested in the slugger this winter. The Dodgers were among the three teams, along with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants.
“I do think the Dodgers are a strong fit, as are the Giants, and the Mariners”
Per Jon Morosi via MLB Network
Martinez put together a great year for the Dodgers in his first season with the team, and he benefitted from playing in their strong lineup. He hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 runs batted in, despite missing some time due to injury.
Morosi is high on Martinez going forward, and a reunion with the Dodgers is certainly possible. But it all depends on what happens with their pursuit of two-way superstar free agent Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani is the big fish for the Dodgers, but if they fail to sign him, they likely pivot back to Martinez. Martinez produced very well for them a year ago and is seen as a plan B for LA.
“I think JD Martinez, when you look at the overall market of DHs and bats, I think he is in that group right after Shohei.”
Per Jon Morosi via MLB Network
Martinez would be much cheaper than Ohtani and get a much shorter deal. But he obviously isn’t on the same level as Ohtani, and the Dodgers owe it to themselves to see what happens with him before going back to Martinez. Of course, they run the risk of him signing elsewhere first, but sometimes the best things in life are worth the risk.
Photo Credit: Paul Halfacre-USA TODAY Sports
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