Top 25 MLB free agents for 2019

5. J.D. Martinez

Boston Red Sox outfielder/DH J.D. Martinez has yet to make him intentions fully known when it comes to his future, but the 32-year-old should make full use of his ability to opt out of his contract this year. Martinez has done plenty to earn the first two years of his five-year, $110-million contract with Boston, but the hoops he had to jump through to get it should weigh on his mind. If Martinez does not opt out this year, he will only be risking his future earnings potential beyond his age-34 season.

There were legitimate medical concerns dogging Martinez as a free agent following the 2017 season. He had played in only 239 games the preceding two seasons. Even coming off a year in which he homered 45 times in 119 games, there was enough uncertainty about Martinez’s health and ability to play the field that his suitors were limited. Now that he has played in 150 and 146 games, respectively, in 2018 and 2019, Martinez should be able to sell himself as a safe bet.

In his first two seasons with the Red Sox, Martinez continued to show why many view him as one of the best pure power hitters in baseball. He hit .317/.392/.593 with 79 home runs and 235 RBI. Martinez was the big power bat the Red Sox needed to replace David Ortiz, and his presence was a big reason the team won the 2018 World Series. Dating back to 2014, when he established himself as a full-time player, Martinez has hit .307/.373/.581 with 207 home runs and 585 RBI.

With the Red Sox’ direction up in the air, Martinez needs to opt out and take care of himself. His skill set should hold up well into his mid-30s, and he should be able to extend his current deal out another two seasons at his current annual salary. That’s a no-brainer, especially with the Yankees potentially in the market for a designated hitter if they pass on Edwin Encarnacion’s option.