J.D. Martinez’s five-year, $110MM deal with the Red Sox is up at season’s end, and the slugger again made clear this weekend that he’d love to return (link via Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe). “Would I love to stay here?” Martinez asked rhetorically. “Yeah. I’ve expressed that to ownership.” Martinez added that he told the Sox he was “really open” to an extension as far back as the 2019-20 offseason. However, he also acknowledged that, as far as contract talks are concerned, “nothing has really happened since I got here.” Martinez further noted that if a Boston reunion isn’t in the cards, he’s at least excited to have a wider range of potential suitors thanks to the advent of the universal designated hitter.
While many nine-figure free agent deals prove regrettable by the time they draw to a close, Martinez has been a mostly sound investment for the Sox. Although he struggled in the shortened 2020 season, he boasts an overall .298/.369/.548 batting line with 118 home runs through 2296 plate appearances since signing his deal. That includes a huge .321/.370/.541 line (164 wRC+) to begin the 2022 campaign. Martinez will turn 35 in August, but his bat isn’t showing many signs of slowing down even as he enters his mid-30s. Boston has about $92.5MM in guaranteed money on the books in 2023, but $20MM of that is allocated to Xander Bogaerts, who is all but a lock to exercise an opt-out in his contract (barring an extension).
More out of Boston…
- While Bogaerts is almost certainly ticketed for the open market at the end of the season, the star shortstop left open the possibility of in-season extension talks over the weekend. His agent Scott Boras downplayed those chances, telling Pete Abraham of the Boston Globe (Twitter link) that extension talks with the Sox won’t take place during the regular season. Whether behind-the-scenes discussions take place or not, it has never seemed likely the sides will come to an agreement after they were extremely far apart in Spring Training. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported last month that Boston had offered an additional one year and $30MM to convince Bogaerts to forego his opt-out possibility. That’s well shy of the three-time All-Star’s likely market value, and Bogaerts implied over the weekend the team would have to significantly raise their offer were they to try to reignite talks. “I don’t know how this would work,” he said.”But if they talk to Scott behind closed doors and it’s something that’s fair, he can come to me. We’ll see how that goes.
- The Red Sox “were quietly shopping” Christian Vazquez over the winter but (obviously) never lined up with a potential trade partner, writes Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic in her latest mailbag column. Boston exercised a $7MM club option on the 32-year-old catcher at the end of the 2021 season but was also reported to be heavily in the mix for Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings over the winter — before he was ultimately instead traded to Miami. Vazquez slugged 23 homers in the “juiced ball” season in 2019 and had a stronger 2020 campaign (on a rate basis). However, he’s struggled to a .252/.302/.344 output in 583 subsequent plate appearances (2022 included). McCaffrey suggests that if the Sox don’t right the ship, Vazquez could again be a trade candidate this summer, which would leave prospect Connor Wong and veteran Kevin Plawecki as the team’s primary catchers. Of course, Plawecki himself is a free agent at season’s end and could change hands in such a scenario — assuming he can bounce back from the dreadful .139/.179/.167 slash he’s posted through his first 40 plate appearances.
- Injured Sox ace Chris Sale, who is on the 60-day IL with a stress fracture in his rib cage, has been cleared to begin throwing and is playing catch, tweets Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. At last check, Sale wasn’t throwing and was dealing with a non-baseball, non-Covid related medical issue, but it seems he’s put that past him and is officially progressing toward a return to the mound. The seven-time All-Star has thrown just 42 2/3 innings since the conclusion of the 2019 season, primarily due to Tommy John surgery. Speier also notes that fellow southpaw James Paxton is still receiving treatment and has yet to begin throwing as he works back from 2021 Tommy John surgery. The Sox announced earlier this month that Paxton was dealing with continued soreness in his elbow.
BOS Fans: You guys want JDM back at this stage? Seems that it would be declining only at this point for a DH…
I definitely want him back, maybe a 2-3 year deal. He’s currently in his career longest hitting streak, I don’t think he’s declining at all
Okay, good perspective. I wonder if he would take a shorter-term deal though…
Hopefully they can work something out then.
I don’t believe any team will off him more than a two or three year deal, with the latter being in the form of a vesting option. He’d be 38 at the end of that deal. I can’t see any team going beyond that due to age and position limitations. Even then, he still may find two year deals are the max offers. Just look at Nelson Cruz’s deals the last few seasons.
*offer* him. I sure hope no team plans to off him!
JD is 35. He will not ask for 4 or 5 years and realistically think any GM would agree!
He might opt to go year to year and reap the benefits of teams paying more for less years. He’s the best pure hitter in baseball. Just remove 2020 due to the strike and pandemic and show me another hus age who has been consistent. He seems like he’ll hit into his late 30s.
dewey – Yup, the guy has a .927 OPS since 2014 and that includes the joke of a 2020 season. He’s always been in great shape, there’s no reason he can’t be DH’ng into his 40’s. And he’s a fantastic mentor to young teammates.
Sorry for the late reply but that’s exactly why I’d resign him. Bogie is great but this team wins when JDM and Devers lead the way Not saying I don’t love Xander but all factors considered if I only can sign two, I’m long term inking Devers and short term JDM.
On a two year deal absolutely. 18 game hitting streak, 28 game on base streak, and he’s not even fully healthy. Casas left last nights WooSox game with an injury and has struggled at AAA and Dalbec has scuffled all season. J.D. might be far more important to the Red Sox than I’m sure they care to admit
Sale on the injury list this year, who would have imagined that? I wonder who sees more time on the IL this year Tigers Austin Meadows or Red Sox Chris Sale? Sale had what, at best 2 solid seasons with Boston? Fair to say that Tampa won that deal.
?
Huh?
Huuuuuuhhhh?
It was a three-way deal and Cincinnati made out the best.
If the Sox continue to play themselves out of even the extra wild card race but (a big if) Sale returns healthy and dominant, what’s fair value in return come 07/31? A healthy, dominant Sale could dominate discussions then.
The Red Sox have gotten their value from JDM’s contract, but how many more years is any team willing to bet on him? Three years with an option/vesting year for a fourth? Maybe closer to 2 years with a third option/vesting year?
Maybe he’ll take a one year big payout deal with a vesting option based on games started. If he plays, he’ll hit
If there is one thing the Red Sox seem to hate, is singing their own free agents.
Man, thankfully they signed Story. I wanted him so bad too. He is starting to heat up, but ouch, he’s had a really, really bad start on offense and defense.
Every free agent is welcome to join in on Sweet Caroline.
this comment will age well
JDM will be traded by the deadline. There will be a lot more buyers than sellers with the extra playoff spot and the universal DH. Excited to see what they can fetch for him if that ends up happening. Great signing and career in Boston.
I don’t understand why a big market team like the Red Sox wouldn’t spend the money to keep Bogaerts and Devers. Who else are they going to sign that’s better? Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t sign Bogaerts to a Seager contract (I wouldn’t sign Seager to that either lol), but 7 year $175m seems fair.
The Red Sox front office is confident (and perhaps overconfident) that they have their IF of the future in the minor leagues now in Casas, Yorke, Mayer and perhaps even Binelas for 3B. With Boegarts having Boras as his agent and Xander all but refusing to move off of shortstop, they seemed convinced that he would want too many years at too high of an AAV and would end up blocking their ‘can’t miss’ prospects. I think they made a big mistake there. They should have extended Xander this past offseason and not have signed Story. Xander would have cost an additional $6M/$8M more per year than Story but he’s worth that money. Once Mayer is ready, they could have moved Xander to 3B or even 1B if Casas doesn’t pan out. Now it seems like they are content to let Bogaerts walk at the end of the year unless he is willing to take a discounted deal (either in # of years or AAV) which he is unlikely to do. He’s the heart and soul of this club and losing him is going to be very costly, even with Story on hand to replace him at SS.
The one guy they really need to re-sign is Devers. He is a superstar offensive player and his defense is very much improved this season so far. As he ages, he can either move to 1B or even DH, but the now frugal Red Sox don’t want to pay a DH $35M per year. So there’s a real chance they let both Xander and Raffy walk away from this team which is inexcusable. They have plenty of payroll room starting in 2023 and if their minor leaguers are as advanced as they think they are, they are going to have an influx of young talent (8+ players/pitchers) making the league minimum so that would further support the investments in Bogaerts and Devers, as they won’t need to fill out their roster with veterans making $5M-$10M apiece. All I know is that if 75% of these rookies don’t make their mark, this franchise is in real trouble for years to come. Losing Mookie was horrible; add Xander and Devers to that list and it becomes unacceptable.
I still can’t believe they didn’t keep Mookie Betts. I love it when a player stays with one team… if they’re good. I think its good to have a cornerstone or captain. I feel like that’s Bogaerts for the Red Sox. He should be brought back for that alone. Maybe all these prospects pan out, but maybe not. You know what you’re getting with Bogaerts at least.
It’s been widely reported that Mookie didn’t want to stay… He’s a warm weather guy by his own admission…idk if that had anything to do with him wanting out or not.
It’s been widely “reported” because that’s the message the Red Sox leaked to the media to try and reduce angry fan reaction. Many fans now repeat it as fact, when the answer is unknown.
The “rebuilt” farm system is another tired line from the Sox, too, Lord. The big club is a mess, but all those can’t miss minor leaguers will save the day. When is Will Middlebrooks’ Hall of Fame induction ? He & Henry Owens can split a cab to Cooperstown. Any day now …
Red Sox were smart to trade Betts. He wanted – and was given – a ridiculous contract that his play doesn’t quantify.
Betts is a quality player, but probably only worth half of what the Dodgers paid him. Another long-term deal that will soon be an anchor on LA’s payroll.
Betts is arguably one of the top five position players in the game and a popular one. He’s worth whatever some team decides to pay him.
Only foolish owners pay 1 particular player $30+ million per season. There’s no good way to quantify 1 player making up a huge percentage of a 26-man roster. No 1 player is that valuable on a team.
nbcsports.com/washington/nationals/here-are-highes…
What about $25M per season then?
He’s not a long term short stop, but wants to be paid as one.
These teams are crazy for constantly throwing cash at Paxy. We all loved him up here but the poor guy gets hurt rolling out of bed.
When he’s on though, he’s pretty good. But you’re right, it’s so tough because he’s always getting hurt.
The Paxton deal was a lottery ticket for them. Sure, he’s costing them real money this year ($8M I think) but if he can come back in July or August and show that he’s healthy, they have 2 very affordable option years they can pick up which would make him a bargain over those two years provided that he can stay healthy of course. He is potentially their ‘cheap’ replacement for Eovaldi. If he proves to be too hurt then they cut bait after this year and eat their $8M investment, which they can afford to do.
I thought the Paxton deal, including the contract structure, was a decent gamble. The likely thinking was he’d provide a fresh and potential impact arm down the stretch. The Red Sox’s current death spiral may negate that need, but there is still the possibility for a WC run. If not, he’s an arm for 2023 if he shows he’s healthy down the stretch.
You don’t pay lottery prize prices for a lottery ticket. $8MM pot would make me a happy winner.
It would sure be nice to see J.D come back to Detroit, to play left field. Greene in center with Meadow’s in right. If Miguel does retire after next year, J.D. would be good insurance for a D.H. bat.
The idea sure sounds nice. But hasn’t that ship effectively sailed with Detroit trading for Meadows?
Gruß,
BSHH
Meadows started in right the other day so it seems as if he will slot in there. Grossman will go to some playoff bound team at the deadline as a switch hitter in demand that can play right or left. J.D would make the fans happy to have his bat back.
I don’t think he can play LF at this point
Left field plays different in Detroit than in Boston. There is few hit down the line in Detroit, and what is most important for the left fielder in Detroit is his arm. J.D use to play right in Detroit, an has a good arm for there, but like all good right fielders’ throwing arm whose good there, that becomes a great arm in left.
Detroit right now is overflowing with speedy C.F. types, that can play other spots too, and that speed in center allows them to cover either side to assist. I hope Miguel plays beyond next season, but if not then J.D would be a fan favorite for D.H.
You don’t want JD in the OF on a regular basis. He is a butcher in the field.
Red Sox would love to have J.D. back but there’s no room at the inn. Sox would have to move or block a talented cost controlled player. He will always get a standing ovation at Fenway and he’ll never have to buy his own beer in New England taverns, but it is a new age coming.
As a Yankee fan I approve of the job Bloom is doing.
Ouch. That hurts. Made me laugh, but still hurts. Darned Stanky fan
Not surprised nobody wanted Cora’s BFF Vazquez.
Not surprised nobody wanted Cora’s BFF Vazquez.
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I’ve heard that said about Cora and Kiki as well. Why do y’all think all Latinos are BFF’s with all other Latinos?
So you are calling Cora a racist? Must be since you are the only one mentioning race, right?
You might have some reading comprehension problems. Maybe explain why you think my question implied that Cora was a racist?
You tried to cancel us by implying Cora is a racist. People like you who spread cancel culture must be stopped.
I agree with the issue of cancel culture, but your first sentence has nothing to do with your second sentence.
If they are in 4th or even 3rd I’d deal Xander and JD and if you really love them sign them in the offseason.
30 Parks
When is Will Middlebrooks’ Hall of Fame induction ?
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I love the low-knowledge posters who reach back to a guy that we drafted 15 years ago, to “prove” our minor leaguers are overrated.
Same NYY trolls showing up on Sox topics to gloat the fact yanks have a “chance” this year, nothing more Joe and happy Boston probably won’t get a 5th WS title this century in ’22.
Oh, like Boston Red Sox trolls don’t show up on any Yankee thread….please man stop with the hypocrisy!
Its a long season and while the Yankees have gotten off to a good start, we’ll have to see where this all ends in Oct/Nov……
But there hasn’t been any Yankees threads lately (thankfully). Lots of anti-NYY bias on this site (Tim hates them). And Ducky has been busy hunting (most likely lost) in the woods.
I think the count is 27 NYY WS champs, 9 for the Redsox. We do not really consider Boston’s recent achievements threatening to our legacy as the best team ever. Peace- But remember in baseball one third is sort of a magic number…
Grandpa, tell us about those 27 championships. Did they use gloves back then? The Mongols were a great team back in the day… are we supposed to fear Mongolia?
JD, Devers, Bogaerts, Eovaldi and Vazquez–five very good players that could help any playoff-bound teams.
Get scouts working double duty in the next month–find the diamonds that are out there. with highly respected minor league programs. Load up on talent-rich teams like the Dodgers, Padres, Twins, Braves, White Sox. This opportunity doesn’t come often when you can have your cake and eat it too.
Also identify of those five free agents which ones you want to try to re-sign in the off-season.
Bloom had one shot with Mookie–let’s see if he passes the test and how much he learned from the Dodger deal. One thing he did was include David Price. Perhaps he could include Chris Sale in one of the packages. The clock is ticking.
Isn’t the clock always ticking?
I think they’ll end up signing Devers. No sense trading Sale unless he can actually pitch. Payroll will be ultra manageable after this season.
StudWin – Devers will be kept and eventually be moved to DH whether it is next year or in 3 or 4 years.
JD is 35. Bogaerts is 30, but wants to remain at SS. Devers is what 25 years old. Theo used to refrain from signing players over 32, and the majority of players that would be a good decision.
Total fire sale- probably best move given how the season is moving so far- but if Jeter Downs ever makes the hype real and reaches MLB, he will arrive as Mookie Betts production is declining, with several years at $30 mil per still to go (see Jose Reyes post age 32 production- expect similar drop off)- Redsox in 2025 could be good- if they agree with your advice. Sad to dump five years of Betts good to avoid paying for sub average production for remaining years, but that is MLB today.
Padres and White Sox have very thin systems.
If one looks at Baseball Reference at the list of “Similar Batters though age 33” for JD Martinez they would NEVER sign him to any extension- none make any meaningful contribution after 35, most are done at 34. But as a Yankee fan- sign him to 5 years 85 mil, tie up those dollars.
Bogarts will walk, especially if they are 3rd or below in October which is looking like where they will be. That is why they signed Story- it is done – so they are kind of waiting it out?
Isn’t it great to know that if two guys hit .315 one year and one guy hit .265 the next year, then the other guy would also have to hit .265.
“Martinez has been a mostly sound investment for the Sox.”
3 all star appearances in 4 years… 2 years with MVP votes… a silver slugger… yep… “mostly sound investment”. Ruth was a pretty good hitter too.
IRT to JD, there is a reasonable chance that we don’t need to extend him at all. If we offer him a QO, how many teams are going to offer than maybe $19M AND surrender a draft pick? In order for JD to leave, he probably needs something a bit in excess of $19M, or a 2+ year contract. It’s certainly possible, but I don’t anticipate many teams offering 2 years.
Joe – If Cruz can get a 4-year $57M contract at Age 34, then JD can get a 2-year $40M+ contract at Age 35. Especially now with the universal DH.
So . . . Sox fans . . . everybody feeling better about Story lately?
Fink – No, I am not.
Two good games out of the last three doesn’t make up for the 30 other games in which he had a .595 OPS.
As I always say, time will tell. And if his poor performance is due to an elbow injury, I’m willing to give him a mulligan on this season.
And let’s hope Cora doesn’t decide to bench him today, like he benched Xander after his 4-hit game in Toronto.
And let’s hope Cora doesn’t decide to bench him today,
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So far as I know, when a manager schedules a day of rest, they don’t change their minds because the player had a good or bad day.
Nobody said a manager does. But if a need arises, such as your stud DH or SS suddenly can’t play that day, I would hope the manager has enough common sense to reschedule the day off. Or if the player asks to play because he’s feeling great.
But then again, we are talking about Cora.
Well, guys, as of tonight he’s first in RBI and SB on the Sox, second in homers, and third in runs, so it’s looking better for him. I think he and the Monstah will be good friends this year.
Fink – Obviously I hope you’re right, but two games against the 6th-worst pitching staff in MLB doesn’t sway me to believe it’s anything more than a brief hot streak. And it sure does help having JD, Devers and Xander hitting right in front of him.
BTW – Not sure which was cooler, Jonny Gomes getting the Grand Slam ball or JBJ hitting a 3-run dinger while pinch hitting for the guy who replaced him in RF to start the game.
Fink Ployd1 day ago
so it’s looking better for him.
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That’s why I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to stats this early. The RS have had several HRs this week that went out by just a few feet. If there was even a slight breeze blowing in, 3-4 HRs would’ve become 3-4 doubles.
Baseball is not a game to get too high or too low about. You’re never as bad as you look when you are losing, and you are never as good as you look when you are winning.
Take ’em on day at a time.
Not all RS fans are susceptible to short-term thinking. Lots of guys start off slow, and some start off insanely hot. Most revert to their career numbers. That said, I’m glad he got off his schneid. It doesn’t help a slump when you get booed.
Joe, I’ve always thought it was obviously counterproductive to boo your own players, especially when they’re struggling — but so has it been, so shall it ever be.
Fink – I think it depends on the player. Most are very good at blocking out the crowd, and some (like Verdugo) actually feed off the booing and it makes them more motivated.