J.D Martinez
Projected contract: 2 years, $40 million
Age: 36
Status: Free agent after completing a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Noah Wright recently made the case for the D-backs signing Martinez:
"Adding Martinez would bring the Diamondbacks a 30+ home run hitter with the potential of posting an OPS approaching .900. Think of how many runs JDM would drive in if he hit behind Corbin Carroll and Ketel Marte. Heck, think how many home runs Martinez and Christian Walker could combine for. You could see them approach 70 combined dingers."Noah Wright
Look on in awe and wonder.
You’ve got to admit: Having Martinez back in a D-backs uniform would rule.
Martinez is a familiar presence at Chase Field. In 187 plate appearances, he’s hit 18 homers, 15 doubles, and slashed .344/.417/.779 for an OPS of 1.196 (tOPS+ of 168). Those are some serious numbers. Given that he’s accumulated a -3 DRS as an outfielder, it’s safe to assume he would be used strictly as an offensive player.
What’s good about this? Martinez, even though he’s 36, has shown remarkable consistency throughout his career (with the exception of 2020). Moreover, he’s familair with the D-backs organization. Plus, last season saw him refresh his skills in the Dodgers’ player-development system.
What’s not so good about this? He’s not a young guy (a groin injury limited him to 113 games in 2023), and $20 million is a lot of money for an aging DH.