Chicago White Sox: A sleeper team to sign J.D. Martinez, other big names
Outfielder J.D. Martinez is stuck in limbo without too many offers on the table for 2018. The Chicago White Sox are a sleeper pick to sign the free agent slugger and possibly others as well.
Will anyone sign free agent slugger J.D. Martinez? The Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks are two favorites, but I see the Chicago White Sox as a potential suitor. They have the need and a low payroll that could afford to take on such a hulking contract.
After a year where he smashed 45 home runs in only 489 trips to the plate, Martinez has been jobless for quite some time. Regarded as one of the best free agents this winter, the unfortunate fact is that few teams are a match for Martinez.
Martinez wants a big contract. It’s a reasonable thing to ask for after putting together such an incredible season. In fact, Martinez has been earning his next contract since breaking out as a premier home run hitter back in 2014 with the Detroit Tigers.
Over the past four seasons, Martinez has averaged 40 home runs per 162 games played. This level of consistency is rare. To go with all of the long balls, Martinez has slashed .300/.362/.574. More than a home run hitter, Martinez can improve any team.
As we’ve witnessed thus far since the postseason ended, many teams are unwilling to meet demands of players. Pitchers and catchers report next week. Multiple top free agents have yet to sign. Will it cause a team like the White Sox to change their attitude about winning?
Why the Chicago White Sox?
Why would the Chicago White Sox want to dish out a lot of money for J.D. Martinez? Well, their opportunity for winning is on the horizon. The 2018 season will probably end at the bottom of the standings, but they are trending upward.
At 30-years-old, Martinez is not yet beyond his expected prime. Even if he has to play a year for a team that loses 90 games, he will stick around when the White Sox are good again.
For the past few years, the White Sox made several moves to dismantle the roster. They traded Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Adam Eaton, and others for some very notable prospects. While not yet ready to compete, adding a superstar slugger like Martinez could expedite the process.
The White Sox currently own one of the league’s lowest payrolls. This shouldn’t convince them to sign just anybody. However, it should get them to think about pulling a page from the Philadelphia Phillies playbook. The same way they inked Carlos Santana to a surprising deal this winter, the White Sox should consider doing the same with Martinez or someone else.
Other Free Agents to Consider
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Pitching is a need for the Chicago White Sox. If not J.D. Martinez to fill a void in the outfield and at the DH position, the White Sox could turn their attention to the mound.
Signing Jake Arrieta or Yu Darvish is worth contemplating. The White Sox lack pitching depth needed to win. Adding either of them could help.
But why now? Why add big, expensive free agents now when the White Sox just traded away so many?
The White Sox should only get into the free agent frenzy if they’re able to get an excellent bargain. Whichever team does eventually sign Martinez should get one.
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Will it be the White Sox? Probably not. That doesn’t mean they can’t make some noise this winter and have a say in the market. If the San Diego Padres can make the leap and sign Eric Hosmer, the White Sox can make their splash.