Arizona Diamondbacks J.D. Martinez could sit out into Spring Training
By David Hill
Former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder J.D. Martinez is still looking for his expected payday. He is even waiting to wait into Spring Training for that contract to come along.
When former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder J.D. Martinez reached free agency, it was expected that he would receive one of the richest deals of the offseason. After hitting 45 homes and producing a .303/.376/.690 batting line in 489 plate appearances, Martinez was considered to be the top player available. His rumored contract demands of at least six years and $30 million per, did not seem like much of an obstacle.
However, that market has yet to materialize. Even the Boston Red Sox, long presumed to be the favorite for Martinez, have balked at such an exuberant price. Thus far, the only offer that Martinez is reported to have received was the five year, $110 million offer that the Red Sox made, only to be turned down.
The slow free agent market is doing nothing to dissuade Martinez from his desired contract. According to Jon Heyman, acquaintances of the free agent outfielder have said that he is prepared to sit out into Spring Training in order to get the contract he feels he deserves.
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It may well be that Martinez and the Red Sox are playing a high stakes game of chicken, waiting to see who blinks first. Spring Training is rapidly approaching, with free agents typically taking less money to secure a spot on a team. As players like Jay Bruce are beginning to sign, those outfield slots may be getting filled soon.
Likewise, it is not as though the Red Sox need Martinez specifically. With an outfield of Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, and Andrew Benintendi, the outfield is also set. A return to form by Hanley Ramirez would help Boston in regards to the power department. If need be, there are other free agent options out there that could work as options at designated hitter if Ramirez has nothing left.
As the offseason continues along, teams have been waiting out free agents, looking to get those needed players on their terms. There are plenty of teams with money to spend and open spots on their roster, but they are waiting for the price to drop. Along the way, perhaps they will get a bargain or two.
Just do not count on former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder J.D. Martinez being such a bargain. He is looking to get his payday, and is willing to wait for it.