Detroit Tigers: Four potential landing spots for J.D. Martinez

Seattle Mariners

Thank goodness for the wildcard spots. The American League West has been dominated by the Houston Astros, however, the Mariners, Rangers, and Angels remain in contention for the two wildcard slots. Focusing on the Seattle Mariners, the team is starting to regain their starting pitching. Felix Hernandez is two starts into his return from the DL, James Paxton is back, and Hisashi Iwakuma should return soon. The health of the starting rotation is key in convincing the Mariners that they have a legitimate run in them. They can now act as buyers in the trade market.

Seattle’s weaknesses lie in the outfield and at first base. The outfield has held up okay this season, but it could certainly be improved upon. Outfielders Jarrod Dyson and Ben Gamel have each played in 70+ games this year for the M’s. Each have been effective in their own way, though neither compare offensively to J.D. Martinez.

Martinez could take over at either corner outfield position. He would weaken the outfield defense and would obviously force either Dyson or Gamel to the bench, but that is simply the price a team must pay for a premier bat. The Mariners could make it work. Dyson could still play the bulk of the games in centerfield, or act as a defensive replacement for Martinez in the late innings. If the team wants their current outfield to ever act as a unit again, then they can perhaps work J.D. Martinez into the first base mix. Danny Valencia has underperformed to this point and Martinez could find a way to at least blend in at first base.

Ultimately, the Seattle Mariners need J.D. Martinez to help add depth to their offense. For years now, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager have carried the offense. Newcomer Jean Segura has been outstanding this season at the leadoff spot, but they need some help towards the bottom of the order. Martinez could join the Mariners and bat anywhere from second to sixth. We could potentially see a lineup in which Cano, Cruz, Martinez, and Seager bat in order. Whether you like the trade or not, that is one intimidating lineup.

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers continue to amaze us all as they remain atop the NL Central standings. Believe it or not, the Brewers can act with some sanity as buyers. We’ll see if they do choose to buy as they continue to rebuild. They’ve certainly earned the right to do so.

If they’re buyers, the Brewers will look to improve their pitching staff and they could look for help in the outfield as well. Center fielder Keon Broxton and right fielder Domingo Santana have contributed nicely to the Brew Crew. The two have combined to hit 25 home runs and have driven in a total of 72 runs. Broxton and Santana have each earned continued playing time.

In the outside chance that the Brewers seek a more consistent and proven bat to help with their pursuit of a division title, they could knock on J.D. Martinez’s door. Martinez would have a similar impact with Milwaukee as he would in Seattle. The Brewers do however suffer in consistency compared to the Mariners. Ryan Braun just returned to the lineup, but the offense is rather streaky beyond him. Braun has batted third in his three games since returning from the DL. Eric Thames has hit second in two of those games and Travis Shaw continues to hit fourth.

Martinez could hit cleanup for the Brewers, protecting Ryan Braun and allowing Shaw to move to the fifth spot to deepen the lineup. Or maybe Braun could hit second, with Shaw hitting third, Martinez fourth, and Thames fifth. There are plenty of options if adding J.D. Martinez. The slugger would make the Brewers’ lineup that much more powerful.

In all likelihood, the Brewers will focus on pitching if active in the trade market. Martinez would be a weapon, but for a team prioritizing the future above all, it may not be wise to invest in a three-to-four month rental.

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have matched the Brewers pound for pound in terms of shock. Minnesota is currently a game and a half back from the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central. Though they remain competitive in the division, it still seems too good to be true. The Indians could take off in a flash, but until they do, the Minnesota Twins may take an interest in buying prior to the trade deadline.

J.D. Martinez would offer a steady bat to a spotty Twins’ offense. Target Field would be a great fit for Martinez, as he possesses outstanding power to all fields. He could also provide protection to the free-swinging Miguel Sano.

Martinez could flex in at either outfield corner, or at DH. He would become a standout player for the Minnesota Twins, fitting in immediately in the middle of the batting order.

The Twins are another team that would act prematurely if they devote to buying. They are in need of more help than just a single bat, no matter how good the bat is. Ultimately, too much can go wrong in too short of a time for the Twins to be active in the trade market. But, if they want an offensive boost, J.D. Martinez would be a great option.

New York Yankees

First thought, the New York Yankees do not need an outfielder. They already have Aaron Judge, Brett Gardner, and Aaron Hicks. Jacob Ellsbury gives the Yankees too many good outfielders now that he has returned. Looking at DH, Matt Holliday has been an asset to New York this season. Holliday has 15 home runs and 47 RBI in 68 games this season. The Yankees will not be looking for upgrades in the outfield, nor at DH.

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However, the main area of weakness for the New York Yankees is at first base. Greg Bird has been injured for the majority of 2017 and struggled mightily when he played. The Yankees were fed up with Chris Carter‘s absurd strikeout rate, therefore, they DFA’d him last week. Now, with replacement Tyler Austin hitting the DL, the Yankees were forced to an act of desperation. Yes, Chris Carter is back with the Yankees after a week off from baseball. The point is the New York Yankees are struggling to find any consistency at first base.

This is where J.D. Martinez comes into play. Why not acquire Martinez as a first baseman? The Yankees clearly want improved offensive production from the first base position. J.D. Martinez is arguably the best bat on the trade market. Imagine how effective Martinez could be at the tiny Yankee Stadium. He would be hitting home runs all over the place. He would be an RBI machine.

Next: Red Sox third base options on the trade market

The Yankees have the prospect talent to provide to the Detroit Tigers. Martinez would cost a decent dollar; a couple of top 50 prospects could do the job. All in all, the reward outweighs the risk. New York certainly does not want to lose their minds approaching the trade market in 2017, however, the acquisition of a single player is within their range. The Yankees are a team that could make great use of a rental such as J.D. Martinez.