The Los Angeles Dodgers are one week away from beginning their 2024 season, but one of their top sluggers from last year remains a free agent.
J.D. Martinez earned All-Star honors in his one season with the Dodgers, but they ended up replacing him with Shohei Ohtani. Martinez was a potential fallback option for L.A., but they landed their top target, so he was left searching for a new team.
Despite the numerous clubs that have been interested in him, Martinez has still yet to sign. Among the teams with previous connections have been the New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays.
The Mets have remained in contact with the veteran designated hitter, and Martinez is open to the idea of signing there, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:
The Mets are among teams talking to star free agent DH J.D. Martinez, and word is the interest is mutual, sources tell The Post.
As the Angels look to replace Ohtani in their lineup, the potential of a DH swap with the Dodgers this offseason remains possible as Martinez likes the idea of joining the crosstown rival:
Martinez is also said to like the idea of going to the Angels, who also have interest in the player who had 33 home runs, 103 RBIs and an .893 OPS for the cross-freeway Dodgers.
Martinez finished the season batting .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs, 103 RBI, 61 runs scored and a 135 wRC+ while providing a needed right-handed power bat to the Dodgers lineup.
He remains the top free agent hitter left on the market and one of the top available players overall, along with starting pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. All three players are represented by agent Scott Boras.
J.D. Martinez rejected contract from Giants
Prior to the Giants signing Jorge Soler, they reportedly made an offer to Martinez. However, the 36-year-old declined the offer as he sought different terms and may have been hesitant of of playing in San Francisco.
The Giants have been among the more active teams in free agency, signing former Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) star Jung Hoo Lee and bringing in Matt Chapman.
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