The Los Angeles Dodgers have allowed talent to walk out of the door plenty of times over the past decade. With the talent they have, it’s intriguing to think about the guys who have left in the past.
However, the Dodgers shouldn’t be too upset with the decisions they’ve made. They now have the best team in baseball by a wide margin and have the money to spend to replace anyone who leaves.
Among the players who left included J.D. Martinez. Martinez only spent one season with Los Angeles, earning an All-Star nod for the sixth time in his career during the one campaign. He hit 33 home runs, drove in 103, and posted a 136 OPS+.
Now 37 years old, he’s expected to play again in 2025, and if there’s one thing that’s been certain throughout his career, he’ll show up ready to swing it.
New York Mets designated hitter J.D. Martinez against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicted that would be with the San Diego Padres on a one-year, $5 million deal.
“If Martinez wants to extend his career, and play for a contender, maybe there is a place for him in the Padres lineup. San Diego is clearly strapped for cash, and they have a hole to fill at DH. Maybe Martinez takes a discount based on his past earnings to play for the Padres,” Finkelstein wrote.
The Padres are attempting to shed payroll. While they haven’t been too successful with that, there’s still time to move a few players. When that happens, Martinez would be an intriguing addition if he has anything left in the tank.
