3 players Red Sox should consider trading first

1. DH J.D. Martinez

Entering this week (starting Monday, Aug. 10), Martinez was hitting .196 (11-for-56) with zero home runs and three RBI on the season. He has hit two home runs in his last three games, including a grand slam Wednesday night, so maybe he’s starting to come out of a slumber at the plate.

Martinez is mostly a DH, but that is not a detriment to his trade value in a season with the universal DH. His track record offensively over the last six seasons is enough to bolster trade interest anyway. If he is at the start of a hot streak, that would be very impactful for a contender over what remains of a 60-game season.

Martinez can opt out of his contract after the season. He’d be trading the $38.7 million he’s due over the next two years ($19.35 each year) for a stab at free agency, and more years on a new deal at 33 years old (which he’ll turn on Aug. 21). It’s possible the universal DH sticks beyond this season, so the case for Martinez to opt out could get stronger.

The Red Sox may not want to risk that Martinez will opt out, and leave them with nothing in return except payroll space to replace him. All things considered given their situation, they should be listening hard on Martinez and pull the trigger if an offer is right.