The Toronto Blue Jays are allegedly interested in free agent slugger J.D. Martinez after losing out on Shohei Ohtani in the free agent lottery. As per MLB.com’s Keegan Mattheson:
Indeed. The Blue Jays are interested in Martinez because he is an experienced run producer and this team needs Brandon Belt. Martinez is expected to be available for a two-year contract and isn’t slowing down.
On paper, a combination including the Blue Jays and Martinez makes perfect sense, and for Toronto right now, it is absolutely essential.
First of all, they could grant Martinez the same luxury if they were prepared to grant Ohtani the autonomy to hold the designated hitter role. Secondly, Ohtani’s departure is not the only issue facing Toronto. Not only did they lose out on him, but they also lost out on free agents Matt Chapman, Whit Merrifield, Kevin Kiermaier, and Belt. Martinez would be a strong fit if they wanted to replace Merrifield and Chapman, but they had to move quickly.
A six-time All-Star, he enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 with the Dodgers in Los Angeles. Having hit.271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBI, he was once again selected to the All-Star team. Compared to his 16 home runs in 2022 with the Red Sox, this was an improvement.
He spent 13 years as a major league player for the Dodgers, Red Sox, Astros, Tigers, and Diamondbacks.
He has hit.287 in his career with 315 home runs and 1,002 RBI. Apart from his All-Star selections, he has been nominated for MVP in four separate seasons.
In 2018, he contributed to the Red Sox’s World Series victory.
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