MLB Rumors: Red Sox should forget about J.D. Martinez

Boston hasn’t been very active on the free agent market, but they should move on from they should move on from J.D. Martinez.

The Boston Red Sox latest signing was Aneury Tavarez, who has never seen a major league game. That is really all this team has done besides sitting on their hands. So, the Red Sox need to do something. There is a short time before actual spring training games start. The lineup could use an upgrade. With that said, the team would be wise to pass on free agent slugger J.D. Martinez. He is reportedly done waiting for the Red Sox.

The club offered him a 5-year, $125 million dollar deal earlier in the offseason. Why is he complaining about $25 million a year? The slugger revitalized his career and should reap the rewards. It’s not that hard to survive off of $125 million bucks. Scott Boras has been complaining the offseason about greedy owners. What about the players? They are asking for more than they’re worth.

With that said, Boston should look elsewhere for offensive help. The first player that is a fit is their former infielder Eduardo Nunez. They are reportedly interested in him as well a few other teams. He would be a welcome addition as a utility player. Nunez would easily be the top option at second base while Pedroia heals. The infielder wouldn’t cost a ton, as masher Todd Frazier only got a 2-year, $17 million dollar deal.

Nunez is coming off an injury in the postseason. He shouldn’t cost more than $5 million, considering he needs to rebuild his value. His versatility and all-around game would benefit the club on both sides of the ball. It wouldn’t be surprising if he signed in the 5-7 days. The Red Sox should definitely take the chance on him.

The second one might be kind of a head-scratcher in Logan Morrison. Yes, Boston already has options at first. But weren’t the Red Sox going to use Martinez and DH for a good portion of his playing time? The club would still be acquiring a power bat and is way cheaper. Morrison broke out by utilizing a better approach at the plate. He swatted 38 home runs with 85 RBI. But, only the Cleveland Indians have signed a power first player in Yonder Alonso.

The Red Sox could clear the first baseman clutter by trading off Mitch Moreland. Although the team just gave him a 2-year contract, they could look to move him for pitching. Forgotten man Sam Travis would be a nice depth piece behind Ramirez and Morrison. The left-handed slugger shouldn’t cost more than around $10 million per year. He would crank baseballs over the near Pesky pole regularly.

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The final alternative would be second baseman Neil Walker. The Red Sox have Pedroia entrenched at second for the time being. Also, they have Marco Hernandez who might be the long-term option. But, Boston could sign Walker to a one year deal and reap the benefits. He is a switch-hitting second baseman with pop. He made over $17 million in 2017. But there is no way he’s getting that with how the offseason has gone. So, the Red Sox should swoop in.

Ultimately, the Boston Red Sox need a boost to this lineup. Martinez asking price is way too high. So, the club should keep their chin up and throw their money elsewhere.