February 20, 2018

Boston Red Sox newly acquired outfielder J.D. Martinez gives the team a power bat in the middle of the lineup they did not have in 2017 with the retirement of David Ortiz. Over the duration of the 2017 season, Martinez played for two teams and hit for a .303 average with 45 home runs and 104 runs batted in. The impressive part of his season is that in 62 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks he hit 29 HRs and 65 RBIs. Martinez is not solely a power bat; he brings on-base ability and elite hitting. He had a 1.066 on-base plus slugging in 2017 and has had a batting average exceeding .300 three times in the last four years. One concern is that Martinez routinely has injuries and ailments that limit his playing time. In the last seven years, he has only exceeded 500 plate appearances twice. The Red Sox will likely play Martinez at designated hitter to sustain his health. Also, as the DH, Martinez could reduce any mental concerns obtained from defensive errors. In addition to helping others around him, Martinez will benefit from this new lineup. He will have two excellent hitters in front of him to get on base and get into scoring position. Martinez is currently being drafted at the end of the second round. Landing in a great situation like Boston will likely cause the competition to draft him toward the front of the second round.--Ellis Canady - RotoBaller