J.D. Martinez enjoyed a bounce-back season with the Los Angeles Dodgers this year, but he will almost certainly be playing elsewhere in 2024 after the team signed Shohei Ohtani to a record-setting contract.
To this point in the offseason, the Arizona Diamondbacks have been most prominently linked to Martinez as they look to add another big bat to their lineup.
He played for the club during the 2017 season and memorably hit three home runs against the Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.
According to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com, the Toronto Blue Jays are also showing interest in Martinez:
This roster needs its Brandon Belt, and the Blue Jays have interest in Martinez as a veteran run producer. Martinez isn’t slowing down and should be available on a two-year deal.
The Blue Jays remain in search of a full-time designated hitter and could pivot to Martinez after missing out on Ohtani.
The 36-year-old hit a solid .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and 103 RBI in 113 games for the Dodgers this year en route to an All-Star Game selection. Martinez was a finalist for the NL Silver Slugger Award this past season, but ultimately lost out to Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Martinez attributed some of the turnaround to reuniting with Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc and Mookie Betts. He now figures to command a multi-year contract after playing out the past season on a one-year deal.
The Dodgers opted not to extend the $20.325 million qualifying offer to Martinez, which should help his market. If the veteran signs elsewhere, the Blue Jays could look to re-sign Brandon Belt, who served as their primary DH in 2023.
J.D. Martinez combined for Dodgers franchise history in 2023
Martinez was one of four Dodgers to drive in at least 100 RBI this past season, joining Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy. It marked the first time in Dodgers franchise history that four players reached the threshold in a single season.
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