Fansided

5 sluggers teams should already be thinking about buying at the trade deadline

By Eric Treuden

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 29: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on September 29, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 29: Willson Contreras #40 of the Chicago Cubs in action against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on September 29, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 15: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox at bat during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day at Fenway Park on April 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 15: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox at bat during the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day at Fenway Park on April 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

14. . Designated Hitter/Outfielder. Boston Red Sox. J.D. Martinez. 2. player

MLB Trade Rumors: Someone needs to free J.D. Martinez from Boston

34-year old JD Martinez is in his fifth season with the Boston Red Sox and he, like Bogaerts, has been one of the more successful players to suit up for the Sox in recent memory.

Martinez, also like Bogaerts, could find himself on the move if the club continues to struggle as they have so far this season. A free agent at season’s end, the uber-powerful slugger may not land another contract like the five-year, $110MM contract he’s wrapping up now, but he is still a valuable and feared home run hitter. He is hitting .298 with three home runs and 15 RBI through his first 24 games and 101 plate appearances this season.

Consistently a threat to top 30 home runs and 100 RBI, Martinez has added .300 batting average capabilities to his player profile as well, seemingly getting better every season from 2014 to 2019. While he is mostly limited to a designated hitter role, Martinez is still somewhat competent in the corner outfield spots but the addition of the DH to the National League should expand his market quite a bit.

With the Red Sox surprisingly struggling out of the gate, look for Martinez to be on the move. The Padres could squeeze him into their roster as could the previously mentioned St. Louis Cardinals. Even the Mets could be a fit for Martinez’s services, possibly in a deal involving Dominic Smith and/or Jeff McNeil?

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