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J.D. Martinez 2023 MLB Player Outlook: From Boston to Los Angeles, Veteran Slugger Looks To Keep Solid Career Going
2 years agoAfter spending the last five seasons in Boston, J.D. Martinez will join his former teammate Mookie Betts on the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2023 season on a one-year, $10 million contract. Martinez reinvigorated his career with the Red Sox in 2018, permanently taking over designated hitter duties from David Ortiz, and helped lead them to a World Series title. He was named an All-Star in each of his full four seasons in Boston (excluding the 2020 COVID-shortened season), and during that span, he swatted 130 home runs, drove in 285, and posted an OPS of .912. Although his home run total was down significantly in 2022 (28 in 2021 compared to just 16 in '22), he still ranked within the 87th percentile in Barrel% and xSLG and 78th in Max Exit Velocity. However, Martinez may experience a rude awakening as he shifts from the hitter-friendly Fenway Park to the pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium. ATC projects the three-time Silver Slugger to slash .260/.328/.448 with a .336 WOBA, 21 homers, and 74 RBI. Martinez's ADP of 193 checks out as the veteran power hitter enters his age-35 season.
