Report: Marlins speak with J.D. Martinez
The Miami Marlins and free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez have had recent talks about a contract, Craig Mish of SportsGrid reports.
Martinez, the best hitter left on the free-agent market, is asking for a two-year deal, a source told Mish. The 36-year-old reportedly turned down a one-year, $14-million contract from the San Francisco Giants in February.
The Marlins need more power in the middle of their order after losing Jorge Soler in free agency, and Martinez - a Miami native - would seem to be a perfect solution. He'd be an instant upgrade over Avisaíl García, who hasn't lived up to expectations since signing a $53-million deal two years ago, as the everyday designated hitter.
However, the Marlins' preference is apparently to regularly cycle Josh Bell and Jake Burger between the DH slot and their respective infield positions (first base and third base), according to Mish. If they choose the Bell-Burger combo, Martinez would become somewhat redundant as a strict DH. He's played just three games in the outfield since 2021.
Despite the defensive deficiencies, Martinez's bat remains as potent as ever. Last season, he earned his third straight All-Star berth after hitting .271/.321/.572 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs over 113 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Martinez is a lifetime .287/.350/.524 hitter with 315 homers and 1,002 RBIs across 13 big-league seasons with five teams. The three-time Silver Slugger winner has hit 30 home runs in five different seasons and twice reached the 40-homer mark.
The New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels have also been connected to Martinez this offseason.