Dodgers News: J.D. Martinez Drawing Interest From AL West Squad
In this story:
The Los Angeles Dodgers inked Shohei Ohtani this offseason to a 10-year, $700 million contract. In doing so, he will become their new designated hitter for the future.
Ohtani signing with L.A. now leaves the Los Angeles Angels without a designated hitter, and it has created a market for slugger J.D. Martinez. Before Ohtani signed with the club, many believed that Martinez could make a return to the Dodgers if they missed out on Ohtani.
As one of the best pure bats on the market, he should draw interest from any team with a free designated hitter spot. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Angels are looking his way to potentially replace Ohtani's bat in their lineup.
The Mets and Angels are eying top free-agent DH J.D. Martinez
Martinez returned to form in 2023 when he joined the Dodgers and reunited with long-time hitting coach Rob Van Scoyoc. With the Dodgers, Martinez went from "just doubles" back to "just dingers" as he slugged his most home runs (33) in a season since 2019.
This performance earned him a starting spot on the All-Star team and set himself up nicely for free agency. He could sign a multi-year deal with a team worth somewhere around $20 million AAV.
Right now, the Angels do not have an everyday designated hitter, but projections have utilityman Brandon Drury filling in that spot.
They could use an upgrade, and this would be familiar territory for Martinez. He gets to stay around Southern California and continue to play baseball.
Martinez would make any team happy, as he provides a quality at-bat each time at the plate. He spent only one year in L.A. but left his mark on the club and the fans.
