Red Sox: JD Martinez’s comments amid trade rumors are heartbreaking

Boston Red Sox slugger JD Martinez knows there’s a good chance he’s traded by Tuesday’s deadline, and it all hit home on Saturday night.

Martinez has dealt with immense pressure since David Ortiz retired, essentially being the Boston power threat to replace Big Papi. In Beantown, clutch hits can often go unrecognized, even if they lead to World Series glory.

Despite a phenomenal season statistically, Martinez is on his way out primarily because of his age (34 years old) and an expiring contract. He’s an asset as a power hitter for a contending team, and Boston has decided potential AL Wild Card contention isn’t worth the risk of losing expiring contracts for nothing. A recent rough stretch helped secure that point of view for Chaim Bloom.

Red Sox: JD Martinez lets it all out

“‘I want to be remembered as a professional,” Martinez said, per The Boston Globe‘s Julian McWilliams. “A guy who came through and did what he had to do. I didn’t just take a contract. I played it out. I take a lot of pride in that. I gave everything, my heart and soul to the Red Sox.”

JD continued, saying he didn’t want to be remembered as someone who merely played out his contract, but contributed and was part of the community.

It’s tough to argue that feat. Martinez was a key member of the Sox’s 2018 World Series team. He’s been to four All-Star Games with the Red Sox, and two Silver Sluggers in five years.

In 2018, the year the Sox won the World Series, Martinez slashed .330/.402/.629 with 43 home runs and 130 RBIs.