It took nearly the entire off-season, but J.D. Martinez has finally joined the Boston Red Sox signing a five year, $110 million contract pending a physical. At this point, Martinez will be the Sox's DH unless they have plans to trade Jackie Bradley, Jr. thus creating an opening in right field.
Martinez split the 2017 season between the Detroit Tigers and Arizona Diamondbacks hitting a combined .305 with 45 HR and 104 RBI. Of those 45 HR, 29 came with the D'Backs in only 257 plate appearances following a trade deadline deal. His contributions were critical in getting the D'Backs to their first post-season appearance in 10 years.
Martinez and his agent Scott Boras sought a free agent contract worth $200 million. But in this slow free agent market, Martinez had to settle for considerably less. The five year deal includes an opt out provision following the 2019 season. I have a strong feeling Martinez will be exercising this escape hatch.
While Martinez has emerged as one of MLB's most potent offensive forces with 128 home runs since 2014, he has never been looked upon as the big guy. While in Detroit, Martinez was in the shadow of Miguel Cabrera and, despite his numbers in Phoenix last summer, he was still second banana to Paul Goldschmidt. With a Red Sox team which was last in the AL in home runs in 2017, Martinez is now expected to be the guy in 2018. Although he undoubtedly has the ability and has put up the numbers, I'm not sure if Martinez will be a match for the Boston media especially if he struggles at the plate in April and May. As I've noted before this city is insane when it comes to the Red Sox. The team can win ten in a row, but the second they lose the season is over. Not everybody can be David Ortiz and if the Boston sports begins comparing Martinez to Big Papi nothing good can come of it.
I see Martinez as a guy who does best when he flies under the radar. As such I have a very strong feeling he'll wish he was back in Phoenix. He might get that wish, but he'll have to wait a couple of years.
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