The Dodgers have agreed to a one-year contract with J.D. Martinez, FanSided’s Robert Murray reports (Twitter link), pending a physical. The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reports that Martinez will receive $10MM. Martinez is represented by the Boras Corporation.
There hasn’t been much public buzz about Martinez’s trip through free agency, as just earlier today, another Heyman report about the Red Sox possibly having interest in re-signing the veteran slugger marked the first team linked to Martinez since he hit the open market. While Martinez didn’t have many known suitors, the Dodgers were operating quietly, as ESPN’s Jeff Passan tweets that L.A. “targeted Martinez early in free agency.” According to The Athletic’s Fabian Ardaya, the Dodgers also had interest in Martinez prior to last summer’s trade deadline.
Martinez will now end up in Los Angeles after all, and be reunited with a few familiar faces. Former Red Sox teammate Mookie Betts is now a fixture at Dodger Stadium, of course, and Martinez has a long history with Dodgers hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc. It was Martinez’s work with Van Scoyoc in the 2013-14 offseason that helped get his career on track, and turned Martinez into one of baseball’s better hitters of the last decade.
Since those first fateful sessions with Van Scoyoc and Craig Wallenbrock, Martinez has hit .295/.362/.547 with 258 homers over 4916 plate appearances with the Tigers, Diamondbacks, and Red Sox. That production led to five All-Star appearances, three Silver Slugger Awards, a key role on Boston’s 2018 World Series championship team, and one big free agent payday in the form of Martinez’s five-year, $110MM contract with the Red Sox in the 2017-18 offseason.
The 2020 season was something of an outlier for Martinez, as he struggled badly in the shortened season and was open with how the COVID-19 dugout protocols interrupted his usual routine. With that year perhaps simply a writeoff due to unusual circumstances, 2022 marked the first sign of decline in Martinez’s production, even if his 119 wRC+ over 596 PA was still solidly above the league average. Martinez still hit .274/.341/.448, but his homer total (16), Isolated Power figure (.174) and slugging percentage were all his lowest in a regulation-sized season since 2013. In addition, Martinez’s hard-hit percentage dropped off sharply from his career norms, even if his 41.7% total was still in the 60th percentile of all batters.
On paper, a move from Fenway Park to Dodger Stadium isn’t ideal for a player looking to regain his power stroke. However, the change of scenery and a reunion with Van Scoyoc makes Martinez into a very interesting bounce-back candidate for 2023. Even if he “only” has another season in the neighborhood of 119 wRC+, the Dodgers will happily take that kind of offensive upgrade within a lineup that has already lost Trea Turner and Cody Bellinger to free agency.
2022 marked the first season that Martinez played exclusively as a designated hitter, and that will surely be his primary role in Los Angeles even if he does pick up the glove for an occasional appearance as a corner outfielder. Martinez doesn’t bring the defensive versatility that the Dodgers usually prefer, but the club has enough other versatile players that the overall roster flexibility won’t be much hurt by Martinez getting the bulk of DH at-bats. Max Muncy will now mostly toggle between second and third base, with Chris Taylor also capable of playing either position and prospect Miguel Vargas in line for more playing time at third base. Gavin Lux, meanwhile, is slated to move from second base to replace Turner as the everyday shortstop.
The addition of Martinez creates an obvious question about whether or not free agent Justin Turner has played his last game in Dodger blue. Heyman tweets that the Dodgers still have interest in Turner, who has also drawn interest from such teams as the Marlins and Diamondbacks this winter. If Turner was re-signed, L.A. could slot Turner in at third base, moving Muncy to second base and keeping Taylor primarily as an outfielder. Vargas would be the odd man out in this scenario, though the Dodgers may prefer to either bring him along slowly, or rely on more experienced players as the club chases another World Series ring.
Of course, there has also been a sense that the Dodgers are willing to lean more heavily than usual on Vargas and other up-and-comers in 2023, given how the team might be looking to duck under the $233MM Competitive Balance Tax threshold. Martinez’s $10MM salary bumps the Dodgers’ tax number to roughly $210.3MM, as per Roster Resource. It still leaves L.A. with more room to spend, but Trevor Bauer’s appeal of his two-year suspension looms large, as an arbiter is expected to rule on the appeal at some point before the end of January. If the Dodgers have to end up paying some or all of the two years’ worth of salary wiped out by Bauer’s suspension, it could put them near or over the CBT line yet again.
To this end, Martinez’s contract is relatively inexpensive enough that it isn’t necessarily a hint in either direction about how the Dodgers might feel the arbiter will rule. With that appeal still an X-factor for the remainder of the Dodgers’ winter business, they might’ve felt the investment in Martinez was still worth making, given his appeal and comeback potential.
The one-year length is also somewhat notable, as MLBTR projected Martinez for a two-year, $30MM pact. It could be that Martinez accepted the shorter deal in order to play for a contender and to reunite with Betts and Van Scoyoc, or he and agent Scott Boras could view this as something of a pillow contract. If and when Martinez does rebound from his 2022 season, it would put Martinez in line for a larger multi-year pact next winter, even as he’s entering his age-36 season. The Dodgers have yet to ink a player to a multi-year deal this winter, as Martinez, Noah Syndergaard, Shelby Miller, and the re-signed Clayton Kershaw are only signed through the 2023 campaign.
DepressedDodgerFan
WOW FRIEDMAN IS ALIVE?
Fever Pitch Guy
Depressed – Yes, and he stole another player from his protege.
I wish JD the best and hope he can stay healthy enough for a bounceback season.
Gmen777
Meanwhile the Giants are still trying to land Aaron Judge
27champyankees
Another smart move by Andrew Friedman
JD is a hitters Hitter. He’s in a great spot now w / Van Slyke and he’s surrounded by other talented hitters
JrodFunk5
You mean Arson Judge
Snellzilla #7
Aaron who? Don’t need him
27champyankees
Yes , Zaidi and the Giants desperately trying to sign Aaron Judge…..Oh Wait.
BAHAHAHAHAA
Maybe they’ll be foolish and desperate enough to go after Carlos Correa. The guy who’s not even a top 10 hitter in MLB…not even top 20
The guy that has never has hit 30 HRs can’t post and rides the IL every year and is The poster boy for the Astros cheating scandal…..oh Wait
BAHAHAHAHAA
THEY LIVE!!!
Giants are the best team in MiLB. Fixed it for you.
.
Take off the glasses!
Pete'sView
JrodFunk5 — It isn’t funny anymore, it’s boring.
Pete'sView
27champyankees — Are you twelve years old?
BillMueller326
Hey now, don’t count out those pesky red sox!
andyhighroller
We’ll see how Judge and Correa are doing 5+ years from now. I’ll wait.
Mi Casas es tu Casas
RIP Johnny Pesky he’s probably rolling over in his grave watching his beloved sox go down the crapper
JCL10
Van Slyke? I think you mean Van Scoyoc…
The Saber-toothed Superfife
That’s burnt-out by now….
thecoffinnail
Correa doesn’t have to be a top 10 or 20 hitter when he plays the most important defensive position outside of catcher in the game. Shortstops that hit like him are a rarity. Seeing as how he is only 28 his prime is still a year or two away. His attitude alone is what kept most teams away. I think the Giants overpaid for him. With only Cohen’s reported interest being the only other big market team chasing him. Let’s not forget Cohen said his offer was for $50m less as well. Players like him and Bryant expect more than they get and refuse to see themselves and their attitudes being the cause.
Pete'sView
Everything I’ve read is that Correa is a great clubhouse leader, well liked by his teammates and very upbeat. I don’t think his attitude is anything to worry about.
dirkg
This is going to go down as one of the best-value signings of this off-season.
And as an Angels fan, I agree the one-year nature of this signing speaks to the fact that the Dodgers are going to go hard at Ohtani. Everything they’ve done (or haven’t done) this off-season makes that clear.
Pete'sView
I can imagine 8 teams in on Ohtani next year. But we’ve all read that he would like to stay on the West Coast. For now, I’ll stay focused on the upcoming season.
CaptainJudge99
I heard the Padres were finalists.
.
Cap, SD offered him too much for too long. Didn’t make sense for him.
halloffamernobodycares
He turned down 12 years 120m from the Padres.
Deadguy
Rockstar gm didn’t bring enough cocaine to the negotiating table
OIC2021
The Guardians finished as 1st runner-up for Martinez’s services. They’ll now pivot to Andrew McCutcheon.
Rsox
No they won’t
Salad Daze 22-27
this comment wasn’t funny the first 23 times you posted it
Pete'sView
An excellent pickup for the Dodgers!
GOAT Closer Esteban Yan
JD keeping the DH seat warm for Ohtani.
cainer18
As a Giants fan, I don’t like this. Watch JD hit the fountain of youth and blast 40 homers
zeuz1
No chance….JD is washed up.
seamaholic 2
120 wRC+ last year doesn’t scream “washed up.”
Treehouse22
Dude batted .319 vs. LHP last season.
Jean Matrac
BudgetBall, I wouldn’t read too much into 119 ABs, The year before, in 204 ABs, he hit .279.
Topspin777
Are we watching the same league? 119 wRC+ hardly qualifies as washed up
Jean Matrac
The trouble with that decent wRC+ is it came with a .345 BaBIP. He’s walking less, though it is a only a fraction below league average. His ISO was also down at .174. The BB% and ISO aren’t bad, but they are significantly lower than from a few years ago. As was his 1.1 bWAR, which is not close to the numbers he had earlier.
Pete'sView
tad2b13 — Nevertheless, I think he helps any team. Unfortunately, it’s the Dodgers.
Ma4170
And the fact he had a second half collapse again. This time 849 ops first half, 701 second half. He disappears for 6-8 weeks at a time now. Red Sox fans can tell you I’m sure.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
Because he still hits a lot of line drives. I’ll take that approach at that price over a speed-induced BABIP from someone like Trea Turner at his price. And the power metrics (hard hit rate %, barrel %, max exit velo, xSLG) indicate he’s not a complete dud (yet).
Not saying he’ll go out and hit 30 HRs, but with his hitting coach friend and maybe playing in warmer weather more, it can help. He doesn’t need to produce anything close to his younger days, or even 2021. At $10 M for one year, 1 WAR will be gladly taken, even more if his hitting advice can help Betts elevate his level again or any of the younger kids.
Finally, this is a contract designed for October. That’s where he’ll really make his money. Given how Dodger hitters have fared in the postseason the last few years, this is a great move for depth and approach. I will say this. I like this move a lot better than the Syndergaard signing.
Jean Matrac
Pete, We’ll have to disagree again. I mean, maybe he helps a little, but if I were a Dodger fan I’d be underwhelmed. I could be be wrong, maybe he has a resurgence, but if the pattern continues. I see further decline. Plus the fact that he needs to be a DH is not ideal.
27champyankees
LA was a 93-95 win team without any additions coming into the off-Season. And w/ JD they just got better
LA is gonna work some of their young talent into their 26 man and guys like JD along w / Freddie and Mookie are perfect role models for these young hitters. Approach, daily routines. It’s a really smart move
Friedman has been quiet this off season…..because he can. That organization is a machine.
Blue Dude
Its a 1 year not 3 to 10 years its a good risk. That he takes the DH spot only is no big deal,
Taylor covers all 3 OF Spots & SS
Muncy 2b & 3b
Betts RF & 2b
Lux 2b & SS
Thompson Corner OF
then you forget Roberts likes to change the lineup daily
You can always Pencil in:
Catcher Smith/Barnes
1b Freeman / Vargas**** Rookie
2b Muncy/ Lux /Betts / Busch & Vivas ****** Rookie
ss Lux/ Taylor / Amaya & or Leanard ****Rookies
3b Muncy/ Vargas *********Rookie
RF Betts/Heyward /Outman & Pages *****Rookies
CF Taylor/ Outman
LF Thompson/ Heyward
DH Martinez
Not as sexy according to the Top Free Agents but its still a Championship of 90 Win Team. Its a matter if they show up in October. Which we all know the Dodgers is a good team but poor execution has netted the 1 Championship. But they are there every year.
I would like to see Justin Turner back on a 1 Year Deal.
Staff of
Kershaw Urias May Gonsolin Thor and Some interesting Rookies like Stone Miller Pepiot & the bullpen makes this a very competitive
Plus I am sure we will get some help in July if we have to fill any holes…. Smart move is to be ready for the prize jewel of MLB in Otani….
Fever Pitch Guy
zeuz – You said the same thing about Matt Carpenter before he signed with the Yanks.
Speaking of Carpenter, if no other team wants him I can envision Bloom making him a lowball offer.
gronk
Imo cainers take is much more likely than Zeus’s.
Jean Matrac
gronk. I think it’s somewhere in between. Clearly JD is not “washed up”. I expect him to hit a little above league average. But 40 HRs is probably not happening.
miggywrld
Wow. Hope JD does well.
Dbacks44
I’m so sick of My dbacks sometiems. im loyal to a fault.This was so freaking easy to get!! They really sometimes just don’t make sense
Yanks2
They got Castro
Dbacks44
Yeah but they need a hitter starting pitcher and another bullpen piece. Jd loved arizona and 10 mil is a robbery
StreakingBlue
Diamondbacks don’t need JD. Instead they should focus on getting more young talent to eventually move closer to competing with SD, SF, and LA.
Dbacks44
They have young talent man. By the time they compete their young guys will be old. They have to spend money. They will make a move soon.
avenger65
The Padres are the NL’s Orioles. Climbing up in the two toughest divisions in bb.
seamaholic 2
Dbacks competitive window is still in the future. Signing JD right now would just block the kids from getting PA’s.
VegasSDfan
Orioles lol… They have signed nobody important, ever.
Snellzilla #7
Padres lol… They have won zero championships, ever.
Jaysfan1981
He’s a DH with a declining bat. You don’t want him
However if you could speak to Mr Hazen, Kirk and Bichette could be yours for the right peices
Curly Is A Dumb Stooge
Jaysfan1981: Why am I seeing so many Jays fans writing hypotheticals about trading Bichette? He’s no longer considered part of the core?
Samuel
H E Pennypacker;
They want to trade him and one of their catchers every day.
Anyone with baseball common sense knows full well that the Jays have hit a wall and have been throwing money at players for 2 years now trying to get over the wall….but while their payroll goes up the team doesn’t get any better.
They don’t have anything of value coming up from the farm system, so their fans come on here every other day proposing one-sided trades.
The Jays are a year or two behind the White Sox – another team that hit a wall and their fans and FO thought throwing money to “fix holes” would work. This happens when teams come out of rebuilds and don’t handle them properly.
Fever Pitch Guy
Packer – It was ridiculous how Bo was always mentioned together with Vladdy as a superstar. Just another popular player overrated because he’s a young pretty boy with a cool personality.
He’s a good player, don’t get me wrong, but his OPS has declined quite a bit for 3 straight seasons and he’s far from a GG defender. If they can afford to extend only one, it should be Vladdy.
Pete'sView
Samuel — I’m not a Jay’s fan, but they don’t seem far away from being pretty good. They could use more pitching, and the Giants sure could use Danny Jansen. Seem like pretty good trading partners.
Samuel
Pete’sView;
Hello.
Fooled me on Correa. Congrats. When healthy he’s the best SS in MLB.
Yes, the Jays aren’t far away and may make a trade with one of their catchers. But I don’t think it’ll get them over the top.
The Yankees, Rays, and Orioles are getting better – because they all have youngsters that are getting better. The Jays have very few players with any upside to their game remaining.
Jaysfan1981
@ H E
From this fans perspective, history shows Rogers probably won’t sign both to what they want, Vlad will 100% get his fair value whenever he signs.
Bo will probably want an equal contract, or something very similar (which he isn’t worth, not at SS and certainly not at 2nd where he’s best suited)
Bo (in my opinion just based purely on feel and intuition) will probably balk at signing anything but the top 5 SS contact which means to try trading him at peak value
@Samuel
People are giving you flak all the time, so I’m not gonna go there, I will say, I disagree our “rebuild” is going better than most expected. No ones panicking (that would resemble giving Nimmo more than NYM and paying Rodon 9 years)
Trading Bo is nothing more than maximizing an asset that can probably be replaced by our so called non existent prospects (Hello Orelvis, Morning Tieddeman, Good afternoon Mr Moreno)
The only real outstanding prospects missing are in the OF, but thankfully that can usually be filled in FA, just gotta target a CF prospect (hello AZ, hear it’s frigging hot at Christmas)
Common sense is actually uncommon now a days, so you’re technically forgiven for not having it yourself Mr Samuel. I appreciate your contributions to this thread and site as a whole. But I would consider timing yourself out and having a conversation with yourself before coming back and evaluating not only your rationalization but also your decision making process and possibly your priorities in life.
I wish you both a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, whichever you subscribe to.
And all Posters here at MLBTR including the staff owners and writers!!!
Pete'sView
But they’re close enough and if they stay away from injuries and Yanks and Rays have some (not too worried about O’s quite yet), I think the Jays will be in shouting distance. So let’s see if the Giants can get Jansen for some pitching.
Blue Dude
Bichette KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK HR KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK hit KKKKKKKKKKK double KKKKKKKKKKKK Triple 🙂
JoeBrady
his OPS has declined quite a bit for 3 straight seasons and he’s far from a GG defender.
==================================
Not really. His OPS+ over the past three seasons was 127, 121, and 127, almost identical.
And secondly, you need eliminate the impact of three different ballparks. The Covid parks were launching pads. That’s one of the reasons Vlad dropped almost 200 points of OPS.
Shoguneye
HEPP:
Hes got the talent and will probably win batting titles once he adds working the pitchers to his approach. He can come across as being a bit spoiled and should be at the keystone. So its really a matter of maximizing a return on the potential maturation vs ability handcuffed by attitude.
Larry Brown's crank
is that warden Hazen?
Dbacks44
He’s not declining he was hurt. Arizona fits him. They need to make moves. These minor league lightning in a bottle pray moves don’t work all the time. That’s why they had the worst bullpen last year. They have young talent and need a few veterans around them.
bluepelotas
Also, JD did not want to go to AZ lol
Dbacks44
You know him personally? Cause he said before he would give them a discount that’s how much he liked it there
bluepelotas
I got your discount right here Dbag44!
Dbacks44
Hilarious
georgebell 2
Dbacks have enough bats at OF/DH, no? Carroll, Varsho, McCarthy Thomas all need playing time. I get that Beer Smith and oft injured Lewis dont move the needle.
StudWinfield
No 35 y.o. in his right mind is going to choose AZ over regular AB’s with LAD. He’s not worth an overpay for AZ. Just resign Peralta.
Dbacks44
Dude peralta is a lefty and not much younger. 10 mil is not an overpay
StudWinfield
My point being it would have taken more than $10 mill to for him to sign with AZ instead of LA. Peralta can play OF, provide veteran leadership and costs probably half.
Dbacks44
Why I say this is they want turner or longoria.. Which one is 38 and the other is hurt every year. So why not JD. If they weren’t interested in those guys I understand.
StudWinfield
Actually when I saw the JD signing my 1st thought was why didn’t they just resign JTurner.
Dbacks44
Yeah I’m hoping for one veteran lol
dodgers32
Exactly. They both had almost the same results in 2022, but JT can still field his position. This was a signing with fingers crossed that JD somehow rekindles some of his prior magic. Sad to see the Dodgers at the point where they’re wishing for a miracle turnaround. The Bauer situation has hamstrung the FO.
BlueSkies_LA
No evidence that the Bauer situation is a constraint on spending. Zero. Zilch. None. Nada.
CJML
The athletic has written about it multiple times
BlueSkies_LA
Then explain how it makes sense. Good luck!
.
A lot of people think the Dodgers are going to have to answer a 60mil margin call if his appeal is overturned. I don’t think they end up paying him another cent. Look at how contentious the Arod NY pay dispute was years back…Dodgers aren’t gonna pay him squat.
BlueSkies_LA
I don’t think they will either, but it’s also just possible that the commissioner will make an exception to the CBT calculation for any salary they did end up having to pay him. This procedure wasn’t intended to create such longterm payroll uncertainty for any team, and we can be sure the Dodgers have made this argument to the commissioner.
HeedFrodo
Savvy sign. Dude can still pop a little and warmer weather will help him.
PKCasimir
If he couldn’t hit in July and August in 2022 what makes you think the weather in LA will help him?
Fever Pitch Guy
PK – What do you mean? JD put up an .889 OPS after August. What difference does it make if it’s July or September?
PKCasimir
Read the initial comment, dude.
JoeBrady
He hit two HRs in the last game of the season, against two pitchers with ERAs of 6.43 & 8.36. He wasn’t special in September.
Yanks2
Still think they should’ve gotten Bellinger. He has a higher ceiling than Martinez. Cody can play outfield too
Jaysfan1981
The Dodgers?
The had Bellinger.
You must be thinking a different team right
Yanks2
I mean they should’ve just signed him to another deal
solaris602
The only problem with that equation is Bellinger’s hitting skills have abandoned him. Martinez can’t play the field, but he is still consistently productive.
Yanks2
Bellinger is a bounce back candidate imo. You don’t just go from ROY and MVP to Cris Carter (Yankees) in a matter of a season lol
DogDays2
The Dodgers made the right move. A steal for $10 mill
ateam043
Well, it has been 2 years now. So he def accomplished it.
Jean Matrac
No, probably not in a matter of “a season” but it’s been 2 seasons of way below league average hitting. Plus, 2020 was not much above (112 OPS+), was a significant decline from the season before (167 OPS+), and he might have benefitted from the small sample that that season was.
DogDays2
I’m ok with another team taking a shot with Cody, but the Dodgers did the right thing.
bluepelotas
Gallo got 11 milli(unbelievable), I will take JD’s bat! Thank you
vtadave
He’s had; three years to bounce back with a team known for turning guys around.
seamaholic 2
No you don’t. That’s why Bellinger, who has been borderline unplayable with the bat for THREE seasons, is unlikely to come back.
BuyBuyMets
When they take away a juiced ball and video sign stealing, Bellinger has proven a ROY and MVP can certainly turn out to be a mirage
nickatl
Bellinger needs a massive bounce to be back. JD is a much better pickup.
In other news, how has Boston not fired their GM by now. He’s made that team garbage in less than two years.
Jaysfan1981
I think that was the plan, rich people aren’t stupid. Bloom is a scapegoat, he’s handcuffed. His mandate is to get a championship in 2027. If next year doesn’t provide a huge prospect haul and INT signing to pair with whatever scraps they have in AA or AAA, he’s gone and they can shoot for 2030
Blue Dude
2 Seasons with lots of awkward looking KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK HR
JCL10
112 ops+ in 202o was definitely passable. However I agree with you that he has been terrible for the last 2.
RoadToRio
Yes, you do expect him to be permanently transitioned to a sub-Mendoza hitter when the inflection point between MVP hitter and farmland hitter is an injury. I reckon the best to hope for with Belli is that he works hard with good (hitting) coaching and brings his OPS+ up to perhaps 90. Maybe this is tolerable if he has GG fielding. But alas, the MVP and all-star days are no more.
Neon Cop
More dumpster diving. Sad.
vtadave
So every signing should be nine figure deals?
MLB Top 100 Commenter
JT replaced with JD. JT must have wanted more than one year at $10 million.
JD was an all-star the last four full seasons. Cheap guy to play DH.
Dorothy_Mantooth
@Neon Cop – JD Martinez is far from a dumpster dive signing. The fact that LA got him for 1/$10M is an absolute coup! Dodgers fans will love him. Brilliant signing by Friedman.
Everyone knows that LA is trying to duck the CBT tax this year. I’m amazed at the quality of players LA has signed for cheap dollars. By ducking the tax this year, you know they are going to be major players for Ohtani next season too and they’ll have Buehler back on the mound next year. Friedman showing more than ever that he is one of the top baseball executives in MLB. He’s fielding a very competitive club in 2023, resetting their CBT tax and preparing to build another juggernaut in 2024.
Neon Cop
Friedman is probably the most overrated executive. The guy traded Yordan lol. Signed Bauer without doing his research. Brought in Kimbrel. Miss after miss. All those regular season wins with nothing meaningful to show for it.
DogDays2
His Bauer research? Is that like seeing into the future?
Neon Cop
No, it simply means asking around the league in a meaningful way, which Friedman didn’t do. So many red flags around Bauer, but the Dodgers are pretty classless when it comes to that stuff.
OhioDodger
Friedman is overrated. His worst signing is Dave Roberts.
hunteralan
Neon, you are either clueless or just tolling for an argument. Not that you have a leg to stand on in this fight.
Fever Pitch Guy
Neon – I’m not a Dodger fan, but in defense of them they did call off the Chapman trade. They could have easily reworked it for a lighter package if they wanted to still acquire him.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
He’s both. He does this in literally every Dodger article
DogDays2
Red flags? He was a jerk, not anything egregious before the Dodgers signed him.
If those were red flags, the NFL would have about 20 players left.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
The way Bauer piled on a girl on Twitter was a red flag. I am sure Friedman made a few inquiries but not enough to find the skeletons. I am willing to own Bauer and Gagne as blemishes for the Dodgers. But generally the organization has been exceptional.
DogDays2
Like I said : red flag, not a reason not to sign a guy.
leftcoaster
The DA reviewed the case and flat out refused to file charges. The extortionist couldn’t fool them but she sure fooled you.
leftcoaster
Lol
Pete'sView
leftcoaster — We know nothing. Just because the DA didn’t file charges could mean many things, perhaps because it’s a he said/she said, or because she apparently was okay with SOME rough sex.
But I don’t think anyone can say—after all we’ve heard from various women and some teammates— that Bauer is a good citizen or a decent human or a guy you’d want representing your team.
PKCasimir
Martinez is cooked. He can’t hit the fastball anymore.
DogDays2
“Martinez can’t hit fastball anymore”
2021 vs fastballs: .321 BA
lamars
except this is 2022, not 2021.
DogDays2
Meant 2022 obviously.
It’s funny how some Sox fans aren’t familiar with their own players… when they aren’t winning.
avenger65
What makes anyone think the Angels are going to trade Ohtani? He’s the second best player in bb behind Trout. He’ll likely sign for $50mm a year.
Jon M
No one in this thread suggested trading for Ohtani, avengers. He is a free agent after next season which is when Dorothy suggested the Dodgers would go after him.
Plugnplay
@ Jon M, what avenger probably meant was, what makes you so sure Ohtani will be a FA, or on the market at all? It’s far from a guarantee.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I think the Angels’ new owner will extend Ohtani.
Baseball Purist
The Angels could create a World Series winner IF they traded both Trout and Ohtani right now… 10 top tier prospects…. They would be a playoff team next year, and World Series contender for years after.
Blue Dude
If I were the Angels I would never trade Otani or Trout…..They are in a big market and they should focus on pitching pitching and pitching.
They have made big mistakes taking chances and throwing money at positional players except Pitching.
Perfect candidate to trade for :
SP Carrasco I would be calling the Mutts
SP Maeda I would call the Twinkies
SP Lopez i Would call the Fish
Not the best but stability and some interesting FA still left
But then again Moreno doesn’t let his Baseball people do there thing and I get it that you as an owner wants to be involved but sometimes its best not too until you got to fire people.
Otani and Trout just $$$$$$$$$$$$$ in merchandising and TV Package
.
RoadToRio
I cannot see under any circumstances Ohtani not testing free agency, particularly seeing how many players blew past the expected FA signing dollars this year. The Angels could try to extend him but IMO it is a forlorn hope. For the same reason I don’t see any other team willing to pony up the amount of bona fide prospects and/or established young talent it would take to pry him away, with club control finished after ’24. I reckon the overwhelming probability is that he goes to FA. Everything that the Dodgers have done this off-season is consistent with them positioning themselves to be the front-runner in the Ohtani sweepstakes at that time.
Neon Cop
Ah yes, another “juggernaut” that will come up empty handed…
mcdusty49
Bro your act is tired
Ma4170
$10M does feel like a steal in this market
VonPurpleHayes
That’s what the Dodgers are famous for, he said sarcastically.
Ronk325
Damn, the Red Sox were so close
Fever Pitch Guy
Ronk – Remember what the Bloomers say, words are all that matters. Actions do not matter.
Ronk325
I’m not a Red Sox fan, just a guy who gets enjoyment from their misery. With that said, I knew Bloom was a fraud once the Mookie trade went through. I don’t understand how any Red Sox fan can still support him. Hopefully they keep him around for years to come!
Fever Pitch Guy
Ronk – I think you’ll be getting a lot of enjoyment over the next 11 months, it’s looking that bad right now.
The only remaining 2+WAR free agents are Segura and Eovaldi.
Assuming it’s true the Sox won’t trade Casas, Bello or Mayer, it’s going to be difficult to make a significant trade that would help the team next year.
I don’t know a single Red Sox fan that supports Bloom.
Dr2022
Hes doing what the sox want him to do, cut payroll.thats why they brought him there.they saw what he did in tampa.
nickatl
The Red Sox are dead. The rebuild is officially here, like it or not.
lamars
No, we weren’t close, you noticed every time they say the Red Sox are in heavy talks or discussions with someone they go somewhere else? That’s just the Red Sox spin doctors trying to make it seem like we are trying to sign players.
Baseball Purist
Do they have a foundation for a rebuild? From the outside looking in, it’s looking like swampland.
OKBaseballFan
Revitalization time for JD. Good for him. Maybe he can have another 4-HR game at Dodger Stadium?
.
The twist is that he’s their new Closer..
Poppin' Balls
There is always a twist…
cba93
JD > Gallo
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Even as someone whose former favorite player was Gallo, I can say yes.
Joe Kerr
I agree but I also think Gallo will be a better this coming season because of the shift ban.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Gallo has the potential to be a top 10 MVP candidate, but he is risky. He has a maybe .01 percent chance to become Barry Bonds and a 15 percent chance perhaps to be top 10 for the MVP.
vtadave
More like a 0% chance to be Bonds and a .01% chance to be an MVP candidate.
avenger65
The shift won’t allow IF to stand in short rf but the shift isn’t totally gone. If a team wants to put someone up the middle, they can do that by putting the 2bman or ss there as long as they stay on their side of 2b. The 1b man and 3b man can shift closer to second and SS, respectfully, to cover the holes. With analytics, teams already know where a batter is likely to hit the ball. Manfred won’t entirely get his way on this one.
avenger65
Depends on how many PEDs he takes.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
I understand they can do stuff to mitigate it, but the most impactful stuff would involve moving outfielders to the right side and/or even the right side of the infield. This would have risks. The shift you mention would do something, but it would also not have as much of a psychological impact. Gallo has a really high hard hit rate, and it would be hard to see fielders react that well to hard hit pull side grounders.
Pete'sView
Joe Kerr — Better but still putrid.
Pete'sView
DeGrom Texas Ranger — He’s more Dave Kingman, but with a glove and arm.
stymeedone
With or without the shift, that strikeout is not getting thru the infield.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
Have you heard of a dropped third strike? The catcher can easily airmail the throw above the first baseman’s head. That would quite literally be a “strikeout getting through the infield.” Never say never.
damascusj
Sept gallo wasn’t ONLY a DH
drasco036
Dodgers are having an excellent off-season.
Neon Cop
This was sarcasm, right?
sliderwithcheeze
Finally found an offensive replacement for Puig.
.
Hahahahahahahahahahahaha
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
This was a steal. I thought he would look for a salary around 15 million. He could have filled Texas’s hole in left field. Defense doesn’t matter (personal and somewhat controversial opinion).
Michael Macaulay-Birks
Who played zero games last year defensively what makes you think that a year later he’s gonna magically become a gold glove guy
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
That’s exactly why I said defense doesn’t matter. He used to be an outfielder. His fielding percentage is around average. It’s just his range that is a problem. With Adolis Garcia and Bubba Thompson/Leody Tavares, they can make up for that easily. I don’t expect him to be a gold glover.
avenger65
Lou Pinella didn’t much speed and wasn’t fast, but he always managed to get where the ball was and make the catch in lf.
Joe Kerr
Please do not take offense to this but I find it odd and a little ironic that a Texas Rangers fan, of all teams who literally lost a world series to the Cardinals because they had terrible defense. Nelson Cruz (if I’m not mistaken)in RF turning around and slowly stumbling over himself and missing a fly ball. Sorry to bring back bad memories for you assuming you are old enough to remember that series.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
I am. However, Cruz was supposedly playing in so he could celebrate that victory, and errors mean something, but making an out at a key moment is also terrible. In the long run, there may be many errors that cost a team, but it’s much more painful for me to see a hitter constantly popup when there is a guy a third with fewer than 2 outs. That’s just my take.
Jean Matrac
So if bad defense was costly when a guy was only in for the celebration, think of the damage a comparable defender might cause as the everyday guy. Defense matter very much.
Joe Kerr
I hear ya. I understand seeing a bunch of pop outs or even strike outs get really old to see. I just felt when I was playing (not mlb obviously) it hurt more when you are out in the field and a teammate gives the opposing team extra outs, it just always seems to bite you harder, a no run or 1 run inning could easily become 3 or 4 if you have to get 4 or 5 outs in an inning to overcome the errors.
In Seager/Hader We Trust > the 70 MM DH Ohtani
This is true, and it is very annoying. However, regarding Cruz, the Rangers wouldn’t even be in the world series in 2011 without his hitting. Also, look at 2010 performance. That has to count for something.
slider32
Another solid hitter in a killer line-up!
.
I would take him over Gallo and it’s not even close for me.
Joe says...
Trumbo I would take you over Gallo.
.
Joe, I pulled a muscle in my back earlier thos morning so I’m out till next off-season
.
**this morning
Joe says...
I’d still take you over Gallo.
I’d even take Joey Callo and he’s dead.
.
Hahahaha Gave me a good laugh Joe. We also don’t need anyone not living up to the name “Joe.” Even in it’s most diminuitive form (Joey).
damascusj
I wouldn’t call it a killer lineup anymore
seamaholic 2
They’re not done. Super deep farm and they love big trades.
Snellzilla #7
Yeah I see a big step back in 2023
Yankee Clipper
Interesting signing for LAD but for a totally different reason: this is a Boras client.
If I’m not mistaken it has been a decade or more since LAD has signed a Boras client in FA. This is far from a conventional Boras client signing, however.
Dr2022
Clip, if he was able to play in the field, a perfect fit for yankees.i wonder why cashman didnt pursue him.
dbdmack
Love JD. He did so much for my Sox. Last season though, he struggled mightily to even drive the ball. He won’t hit 43 doubles without the Green Monster. Hard to say if it was an injury or a degenerating bat. The fact Boston did not bring him up for such a small amount is very telling.
With all of that said, I wish JD all of the luck. Class act. He’ll always be cheered in Fenway.
Hello, Newman
Well said. JDM will be forever loved in the Motor City as well!
Dorothy_Mantooth
Red Sox show interest in re-signing JD Martinez… Dodgers to sign JD Martinez (less than 3 hours later). Classic Boston propaganda. JD must have wanted out of Boston after seeing Xander depart and seeing the lack of effort Boston has given to re-signing Devers as well. JD needs good hitters around him to be at his best; LA offers a better chance for this to happen for him.
Thanks for your many contributions in Boston, JD. I never really understood the “professional hitter” moniker until JD joined the Red Sox. No one works harder than him on his swing; I hope he has a resurgence in LA. The Dodgers are truly getting a professional hitter!
wiredrunner
I think Bloom has poisoned the Sox, no one wants to be in Boston. It seems obvious though no one is saying it out loud.
PKCasimir
That was classic Boras. He used Heyman in an attempt to drive up the price.
seamaholic 2
That’s literally his whole game. The one thing he understands better than any other agent is fans put pressure on front offices if they think their team can sign a big name.
Braves Butt-Head
This is the guy that Boston said was the reason why they “Had” to trade Mookie because he was making 25 mil a season and they couldn’t not afford both and now he is with the Dodgers……. Blooms failure is now complete.
fred-3
Claim didn’t sign JD
all in the suit that you wear
I don’t recall anyone saying JD was the reason Mookie was traded. The Red Sox supposedly offered Mookie 10 years/$300M. I doubt they were concerned about JD’s $25M.
JoeBrady
No one ever said that. Some folks like to make up schitt
Chemo850
I dont know if he said it, but I do recall a lot of folks reporting it
SupremeZeus
Just dingers.
solaris602
For the umpteenth time this winter Chaim Bloom is a day late and a dollar short – again. As soon as you see an article announcing that so-and-so is the Red Sox top priority or they’re interested in someone, that player signs elsewhere in just a few hours.
wiredrunner
The Sox ‘showed interest’, they were ‘in on him’, lmao
vinc3nt3
Dont believe anything that starts with “the Red Sox are interested in”. George Orwell called it “double-speak” aka BS.
Chaim is setting standards of ineptness.
all in the suit that you wear
or Heyman is just spreading a rumor for clicks or his buddy Boras
Fever Pitch Guy
suit – At some point Heyman has to turn into The Boy Who Cried Wolf, if he hasn’t already …. right?
In all fairness to Heyman, it was Pete Abe who reported the total BS “momentum” with regard to Xander.
Yankee Clipper
Well, it has been the case for most of the offseason, however they did sign Yoshida. It’s not nearly enough, I agree, but they got at least one.
Fever Pitch Guy
Clip – They did seem to upgrade the pen, I’ll give them that.
Yankee Clipper
Also true. Being a Tampa guy that doesn’t surprise me either. Those guys are expert ‘pen builders.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
NICE! Guess this means no more Justin Turner. And no Brantley/Conforto/lefty bats unless they’re able to pluck Kepler away from MIN
SupremeZeus
The wording Freidman used in his comments re Turner early in the offseason made me suspect Turner may return, just not as a player. “ “The priority is that when we show up in Glendale, [Ariz.], for him (Turner) to be a part of what we’re doing next year. What exactly that looks like, we need time to work through.”
nando390
I hate my wife!
Snellzilla #7
I can love her for you
OhioDodger
Unfortunately this most likely spells the end of Justin Turner as a Dodger. But, a good move for the Dodgers. JD mashes lefties.
fresnododgerfan
Yeah, I have been hoping they bring back JT but seems highly unlikely now. Justin and his wife have been awesome for the community too. It’ll be a loss for LA if they leave town.
Jean Matrac
Seems like Turner would have been the better option over J.D. Maybe Turner doesn’t want to DH and is looking for a 3B gig.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
They’re essentially the same at this point in their careers. JD has slightly more power and a lot more strikeouts. JT has less power but more walks and less strikeouts. They’re both defensive liabilities. I would have brought back Turner for the whole leadership aspect anyway BUT it depends how much JT realistically thinks he can make. In this market, who knows? $10M/1 yr seems like a steal for JD
Jean Matrac
I don’t agree that they’re essentially the same. Turner isn’t great with the glove, but I wouldn’t call him a defensive liability. Over the last 3 seasons his DRS is -2, but he rates 1 OAA. So he could be serviceable as a back-up for an injury. I’d rather have him for that than J.D.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
They’re essentially the same offensively. They both suck defensively but play different positions, so yeah in that essence they’re not the same. It’s not an apples to apple comparison with the glove
Jean Matrac
Turner does not suck defensively. While you probably don’t want him everyday on the IF, he could still fill in when the inevitable injuries happen. I would much prefer that over a guy that should absolutely be DH only.
Kershaw's Lesser Known Right Arm
Yeah he can do it. Doesn’t mean he can do it well. Sucks
rhswanzey
So, why are we still regarding any Jon Heyman reporting as something besides a PR arm of the Boras Corporation? Pretty easy to see what this guy is doing, and it ain’t journalism.
receo
Journalism ain’t journalism…not no more
A's Fan
odd they would sign a DH only player as they rotate players thru that spot
MLB Top 100 Commenter
A’s fan
True! Not the Dodgers usual routine to sign a pure DH. Friedman must have felt the value was there. There might be a few rare games where JD starts in LF and gets replaced by Heyward, but not too many. JD is mostly a DH.
Fever Pitch Guy
Manny – The NL has had the DH for just one season, so not sure what you mean about “routine to sign a pure DH”.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
I mean that it is not what they did the whole last year.
So your point is well taken.
Kewldood69
So this is what it feels like to be an Angels fan.
Brooklyn1953
Well, I guess Justin is not coming back. Now all we need is a closer, second baseman, and/or shortstop, and center fielder. Strike out king Taylor is not the answer.
30 Parks
JD knows Boston is basement dwelling. Good luck in LA, JD!
Larry Bernandez 1324IM
The Anaheim Dodgers of Los Angeles
luckyh
Wow. Good for him.
zeuz1
Are the Diamondbacks still in MLB?
OhioDodger
Dodgers will reset the CBT this year and be all in on Ohtani next off season.
Perksy
And Machado when he opts out
Snellzilla #7
I expect you’ll see some significant competition
zeuz1
Yeah, brilliant signing…..so brilliant that nobody wanted washed up JD except the Dodgers.
Pete'sView
You don’t know that. JD is nearing the end of his career. Why not sign with a contender? I’m a Giants fan and I think the Dodgers did very well for $10M.
Snellzilla #7
Pete’sV, Here’s the biggest question… Did you hope the Giants signed him?
Pete'sView
Given all the players on the Giants who can DH, I didn’t really consider JD for the job. But the guy can still hit and I think the Dodgers made a smart move.
Snellzilla #7
Fair enough Pete. I think I agree. I think Haniger is a sneaky good signing. The way hometown players seem to find another gear sometimes, when they come to SF…
MPrck
It’s the best value signing of the whole off season, by one the most wealthiest teams no less. Steal of a deal. For that price he should have come back to a team in the Central division American league. Teams could have got a bargain with J.D.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
My nominee for best signing is still Tyler Anderson by Anaheim for three years and 36 million. He will be a solid starter while leaving a lot of flexibility for the new owner.
dodgersdan
Yeah I have to suspect that Tyler Anderson may now regret not waiting out this market a bit longer than he did.
Pete'sView
Manny — I don’t know. Anderson’s been a bum his whole career till last year. I wouldn’t be surprised f he regressed back to norm. But I understand why the (desperate) Angels decided to go for him. I just think it’ll be another Anaheim mistake.
User 3595123227
Now that he’s away from the Red Sox I hope he hits .280 with lots of homers and rbi!
DarrenDreifortsContract
Not a bad signing but I would have been a lot more excited if this were a few years ago.
Snellzilla #7
Dodgers are dumpster diving this year
BigRedMachine
Hey Mariners! Are you awake? 1 Year @ 10 Million for a RH Power Bat and a good guy in the locker room…..Yeah, not who he once was but more than enough there to help….The Seattle Mariners need two more bats…
Snellzilla #7
What’s your opinion on Haniger? Just wondering
BigRedMachine
Happy Holidays,
I think that he is a great get for the Giants. He had two freakish injuries’ while here and I think that management was frustrated that he was not on the field enough. Those are not going to happen again, in my opinion. He really, really, works hard, takes care of his body and was THE LEADER of the team in the clubhouse. I know he had a positive effect on the entire team workwise. He has a good bat, has pop and is clutch. You got a good player and even a better guy. Huge mistake by the M’s not to keep him. people are pretty upset about it up here. Take care.
baseballteam
Whew! Good Chaim, stay the course don’t panic.
stretch123
This feels like Turner will be moving on.
Echopark
Two things:
1. Who are the Dodgers dropping from 40 man? Reed? Yonny Hernandez? Deluca? Feyereisen? Vivas?
2. Talk about the Dodgers dropping below the CBT threshold is way way overblown. Dodgers are almost certainly willing to go beyond the threshold, and I’d bet they will. (If the Bauer suspension is overturned for this year, they are already at 244 million for the luxury tax – aka over it.) I think the real number they don’t want to exceed is the 273 number, and they just don’t what they can spend without crossing that line until the Bauer appeal is done.
Snellzilla #7
Why would it be overturned?
JoeBrady
Why would it be overturned?
=============================
Because Bauer will say it was consensual, and MLB won’t have enough evidence to prove it wasn’t.
BlueSkies_LA
Nonsense.
Snellzilla #7
I don’t think MLB will care about enough evidence to convict. They’re an entertainment business, not a court. They aren’t held accountable to the same standard, more like the court of public opinion. You could be right, but I’m not convinced of it.
dodgersdan
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Dodgers wait a few days to make this signing official while they try to trade one of Vivas/Leonard/Amaya. But if they do just drop someone, Hernandez and Reed arguably have the least value.
Cohens_Wallet
Great signing by the Dodgers, replaces Bellinger’s bat with no drop off.
dodgersdan
Martinez is effectively replacing Justin Turner’s bat.
Bellinger’s bat doesn’t really need replacing as its been awful for 3 seasons… but Jason Heyward seems the candidate to do that.
2020-2022:
Cody Bellinger: .203/.272/.376/.648, 74 OPS+
Jason Heyward: .224/.310/.358/.667, 82 OPS+
Rsox
At this point i would be happy if Bloom would sign Wil Myers to at least look like he’s trying
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Teams are going to begin thinking about Wil Myers and Adam Duvall.
The Michael Taylor trade option seems more likely than Kepler.
Rsox
I’ll take any or all three because this is just getting ridiculous. No one is saying for Bloom to break the bank but at least do something to beef up the offense (other than Yoshida)
Googolplex
He had a 4 HR game at Dodger Stadium before. Hope he’ll have a couple more of those this year.
Cap & Crunch
This will be Andrews best offseason Imo when all the dust settles
Love that they are ducking the CBT and still coming up with some exciting players like Noah and JD
Id like an Jose Iglesias ink and either Osdrubel or a cheap trade for M.A.T to finish the roster off
Dodgers get a lot of praise, as they should, but fact is Andrew hasn’t had the greatest free agencies here in his tenure (He has killed trades to be fair) – He’s nailing it today tho
Mikenmn
I’m having doubts about this being a “pillow contract”. Think it’s more likely this was the best thing offered him, and he and Boras grabbed it.
mrmackey
Sox are getting picked clean.
BlueSkies_LA
It’s time to stop talking about everything the Dodgers do as being dependent on the Bauer decision when it’s so obviously not.
Brew’88
Talk can be ignored, it will play out
BlueSkies_LA
The same wording is used in every article here on the Dodgers. Once they committed to spending over $200m it should have become obvious to everyone that they aren’t worried about having to pay Bauer. It’s simple addition.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Dependent, no. A factor, maybe. Nine of us know for sure. Dodgers have the prospects to pull off a major trade. Say Reynolds and Bednar. Not their style but the times are changing. Busch, Miller, Pepiot, Grove and Stone would easily get them Reynolds and Bednar. But I doubt it. Maybe Busch for a lesser Marlins pitcher?
BlueSkies_LA
It’s really an it is or it isn’t thing. Unless you believe the Dodgers aren’t trying to come in under the CBT then they’re already well past the point of worrying about how the arbitration panel rules. And it is a panel of three, not a single arbiter.
dodgersdan
Now that the Cubs have Swanson, maybe they’ll listen to offers on Hoerner? Busch could be the centerpiece from the Dodgers, perhaps with Caleb Ferguson or some mid-tier pitching prospects like Jackson/Grove/Nastrini/Knack (none of Miller/Stone/Pepiot).
Hoerner couldn’t be expected to add much offensively, but he’d be a huge upgrade defensively, with Lux and Muncy then staying at 2B and 3B respectively.
THEY LIVE!!!
Where there’s smoke there’s usually a fire somewhere. Call it speculative then.
BleedBlue88
What’s the lineup gonna look like next year?
Rsox
RF Mookie Betts
1B Freddie Freeman
DH JD Martinez
C Will Smith
3B Max Muncy
2B Chris Taylor
LF Trayce Thompson
SS Gavin Lux
CF James Outman
Would be my guess based on the current roster which is definitely subject to change
fred-3
Miguel Vargas at 2B or 3B and take Taylor out, who serves the team better as a utility player
Shrutefarm
I think Muncy is better suited in the 2-hole. Move JD down to 5th.
MLB Top 100 Commenter
C Smith
1B Freeman
2B Taylor or Lux
SS Lux or Taylor
3B Muncy
RF Betts
LF Vargas
DH Martinez
CF Thompson, Outman or trade
Still would like to add Donovan Solano
sugoi51
Looks good to me. I hope they give Vargas and Outman a legitimate shot to crack the lineup.
THEY LIVE!!!
I like JD anywhere in the lineup as long as he’s in the lineup for 600 plus ABs.
Horace Fury
The articles makes prominent mention of–although the comments have all glossed over– the presence of Van Scoyoc as hitting coach with the Dodgers, who is the original “JD Whisperer.” JD is seeking the man who turned it around for him to do it once again. This couldn’t happen in Boston, Arizona, or anywhere else.
spitball
Last person in the world to ever believe anything Chaim Bloom said-Kiki Hernandez!
These players can’t get away from Boston fast enough! Oh well, more great draft picks after 2023.
Randy Red Sox
what pick do the sox get for losing JD?
Colavito
A Tigers’ fan favorite who cried when Detroit traded him and said maybe someday he’d be back. Well, that day just came and went if Wonderboy didn’t make a move at him. Sure, they have Miggy at DH but 36 is the new…..uh, 32? and they supposedly want a RHed hitter in the OF, although nobody knows why.. JD was my favorite Tiger for the years he was there, much like Rocky in my yoot. Oh well, best of luck in Hollywood Julio…..maybe you’ll end up in the movies when baseball slams the door on you.
Shrutefarm
I could be wrong, but I do believe this is the first free agent client of Scott Boras signed by this F.O.
Yankeesforever
as a Yankee fan I am troubled by what’s going on in Boston.
It might get so ugly this season they may have to build a green monster outside the stadium to hide that eyesore of a team.
Poster formerly known as . . .
Thanks for moving him out of the AL East, Mr. Friedman.
Dr2022
Pink, would have liked to see him in pinstripes, of course if he cant play in the outfield anymore, he would be blocked by stanton, that is if he ever plays.
Poster formerly known as . . .
I don’t see how he’d fit. Stanton has the DH role locked up, and occasionally Judge and Rizzo are going to need days off their feet in that role, too.
Dr2022
Pink, i understand. But theres always room for a good hitter. And besides, we know Stanton is always out for a significant part of the year anyway. They’ll be plenty of at bats for him. Especially if he could play a little bit of Left field also. If he can’t, throw stanton out there, if he is playing. For a one or two year deal, it’s worth it. Just my opinion.
kmk1986
There’s no room when u have 4 dhs with mediocre defense
whyhayzee
Heyman’s an idiot.
Please stop listening to him, MLBTR.
DonnieMoore
If the Dodgers can do with Martinez and Heyward what they did with Pujols and to some small extent, Gallo, it’s a smart move. It gives them some proven Vets to work with Outman, Vargas, etc.
Prices will still go up, but I’m just gonna sit home and watch them anyway…
Pete'sView
No point holding your breath on Heyward. The guy is done. DFA’d before the season’s over.
This one belongs to the Reds
Of course they did.
Rishi
Why does the market appear to value Kyle Gibson and JD Martinez the same? Granted he could have taken less money as he’s already raked in the dough. He’s basically a full time DH , I understand, but he brings value to almost any lineup.Any minor league pitcher can “eat innings”, although I know somewhere in there Gibson has the potential to put up a sub 4 era but it’s highly unlikely
TrillionaireTeamOperator
He received the exact value of his bat in today’s market.
But like others said- even as a Yankee fan what is going on in Boston? What’s the long con?
SaintChris
Chaim is gunning for the 1st overall pick in next year’s draft.
Randy Red Sox
he is well on the way. guy is a total joke
65sporty
So Twins give Gallo $11/yr and JD. gets less????
TrillionaireTeamOperator
Veteran coming off a very expensive free agency contract with diminished value, vs a first time free agent trying to reestablish any value at all being given a bare minimum raise to beat his final year of arbitration.
SaintChris
The difference is Gallo is a plus defender, while JD is a DH.
JD can actually hit though, so I see your point.
THEY LIVE!!!
I’ll go out on a limb here and state that JD Martinez has a better year than Carlos Correa. I just hope the Dodgers sign JT as well and trade Muncy. Muncy has been as bad as Bellinger was with the bat and really isn’t half the fielder that Belli is.
Snellzilla #7
LMAO!!
Angry Disgruntled Sox Fan
This could easily be a steal by the Dodgers. I don’t expect JD to be as bad as he was this year. He’s likely to bounce back.
larry48
Bush at 2b and Vargas at 3b
stroh
Good guy, JD. Glad he got a contract.
Sideline Redwine
Great signing, he’ll have a huge year in that situation (lineup, clubhouse). LAD still the team to beat in the NL.
YourDreamGM
2022 was a steep decline. Maybe he can stop that and 10 million will be a bargain. If not it’s just 10 million. Should be able to provide at least a nice chunk of that.
acoss13
I wonder if this means Justin Turner isn’t coming back. JD will do great with the Dodgers probably 25 homers with a decent OPS plus.
gronk
Dayum! Last week I fell asleep after reading a report that Xander was in Boston meeting with my Redsox with momentum towards re-signing. Just to wake up the next morning to him being a Padre. Today I read an article saying Boston and JD were both interested in re-signing. Then before I could even wrap my head around it he’s a damn Dodger. As a fan of the Redsox I hate Boras. Though if I needed representation he’d definitely be my guy.
Randy Red Sox
Chaim, Chaim are you still there?? When does your flurry on minor league signings start?
Mercenary.Freddie.Freeman
10 million for JD Martinez even with his bat fading a bit might be the best signing of any MLB team this winter. Especially with the ridiculous contracts being doled out so far.
miltpappas
But Blooming Idiot had “interest” in J.D. You mean he couldn’t even offer 10 mil? Sorry, Sox fans. That guy needs to go NOW! And don’t blame ownership. They didn’t get cheap overnight.
JoeBrady
My assumption is that JD preferred the LAD. At his age, I’d be more interested in another ring than anything else.
whyhayzee
Who are the right handed batters on the Red Sox with any ability to hit?
Story, Arroyo, Hernandez, Dalbec (?), Refsnyder.
They need at least two boppers and I don’t think they even have one.
Time to go to work.
realisticnyyfan
Joey Gallo got paid more…combined these guys are maybe worth $10,000,000. Is this real life?
nottinghamforest13
Jon Heyman pulled a random team out of thin air. Then Passan tweets after the signing that he knew the Dodgers were in all along (but didn’t want to grab headlines and tweet this beforehand).
Quality journalism for you.
thesaint959
Could someone explain to me how the **** Joey Gallo is getting paid more than JD Martinez this year?
Mickey Steverman
Sickening. Of course the Dodgers had to make a purchase. Another player that beat them in a World Series no less.
GarryHarris
I’m guessing that the Dodgers have a group of young talent due up this year.
leftykoufax
DH only for JDM, this may spell the end of a JT and LA reunion.
Yanks4life22
This is going to be a sneaky good signing. After all these years I still don’t understand why the Yankees didn’t pivot to JD after losing out on Ohtani instead of trading for Stanton.
kmk1986
Once again why didn’t the Sox trade jd u really couldn’t get anything for him???! Trash
Johnny6789
Meanwhile the tigers and Al Avila 2.0 signed Boyd to 10 million and added new lights at the stadium lol
The Saber-toothed Superfife
So the Tigers do not intend to go after tradable assets and just sit on what they have?
I saw posts about him “wanting to see what he has”!
???wt..???? Does he NOT READ the standings?
If Harris doesn’t know what he has……
That’s is sad. Very sad.
Fans should.want.them to Hire the Superfife!
My fellow Tiger management team should want them to hire the Superfife.
The owners should.want.them to hire the Superfife…..
The fact that I am sitting here, instead of there…kinda proves something about what is going on…..