Boston Red Sox turning page on J.D. Martinez
The Boston Red Sox have several major decisions to make ahead of the offseason. One of those has already been made with designated hitter J.D. Martinez.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Red Sox are not planning to extend the Qualifying Offer to Martinez, allowing the designated hitter to reach free agency.
J.D. Martinez may be too costly for Boston Red Sox
Martinez will be considered the best option for teams looking for a DH, far ahead of the likes of Matt Carpenter and Nelson Cruz. He had another solid year with the bat in 2022, posting a .274/.341/.448 batting line with 16 homers and 43 doubles in his 596 plate appearances.
There are some concerns. His power decreased as his 2.7% home run rate was his lowest since 2013 while his walk rate has decreased over the past four years. Martinez has also turned 35 years old, making it probable that his best days are behind him.
The Red Sox also have bigger fish to fry. Xander Bogaerts is going to trigger his opt-out clause and enter free agency, leaving a massive hole in the middle of their lineup. Rafael Devers is a free agent after 2023 and the Red Sox have been attempting to extend him as well. Then there are the concerns with the rotation and bullpen.
The Red Sox do value Martinez. He is a strong veteran presence, someone that is a link to their last World Series title. But there is a matter of his cost and trying to fill out the roster. If someone such as Triston Casas or Bobby Dalbec takes over that spot, it would free up a decent chunk of money to take care of other holes. In the end, Martinez could be too expensive for the Red Sox to keep.
dark. Next. Brock Holt announces retirement
The Boston Red Sox are not going to extend the Qualifying Offer to J.D. Martinez. His time with the organization could be coming to an end.