I’m hoping the Chicago Cubs make at least one exciting move before next weekend’s Cubs Convention.
Whether it’s bringing back 2023 NL Comeback Player of the Year Cody Bellinger, adding another quality arm to the starting rotation, or signing slugger Rhys Hoskins to a multi-year deal, I’m crossing my fingers that the Cubs make a move before thousands of fans pile into the Sheraton Grand Chicago for what could turn into a weekend full of boos.
And although I’d be fine with any of the aforementioned moves, there’s a name that hasn’t gotten much attention in Cubs land: J.D. Martinez.
J.D. Martinez: Cubs’ Next DH?
The Cubs have several options on the table regarding their DH for the 2024 season, with young slugger Christopher Morel as the best current internal solution. But let’s say newly hired manager Craig Counsell decides to pencil in Morel at third base for most of the season (which he should), and perhaps the Cubs miss out on adding Hoskins. Adding an above-average bat in Martinez for the upcoming season wouldn’t be a bad option.
Martinez has been one of the game’s best hitters for the past decade. Since reinventing himself when he signed with the Detroit Tigers in 2014, the six-time All-Star has averaged 29 home runs, 32 doubles, 49 walks, 88 RBIs, a .293 batting average, and .908 OPS per season.
Many thought Father Time would catch up to Martinez during the 2023 campaign, his age-35 season. But the Florida native responded by slashing .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs for the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning his third straight All-Star appearance. He also placed in at least the top 97th percentile in sweet-spot percentage, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage, and average exit velocity this past season.
And here’s the thing: he only cost the Dodgers $10 million.
Now, I obviously wouldn’t empty the entire bank account for a 36-year-old player who would primarily serve as a DH. But a one-year, $15 million deal with a club option wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Martinez is a hitting guru. The guy eats, breathes, and sleeps hitting, so the Cubs would essentially be adding an extra hitting coach as well if they go this route. Martinez would help the development of Morel and Pete Crow-Armstrong and provide sage wisdom for roster mainstays Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, and Dansby Swanson.
I’m still banking on Jed Hyer re-signing Bellinger soon, hopefully before Cubs Convention, but they’ll need more firepower if they want to reach the playoffs in 2024. A Cubs lineup with Martinez as the DH would be an intriguing situation.
Let’s just hope something happens soon or else the biggest applause on Cubs Convention weekend could be from someone getting a BINGO on Saturday night.
