Jd Martinez Chatter Getting Louder

 As the Yankees head into spring, injuries are already raising questions about their roster. The biggest concern remains Giancarlo Stanton, while the team awaits further updates on Luis Gil and his shoulder tightness. In light of these issues, recent speculation suggests the Yankees may explore bringing in J.D. Martinez as a potential reinforcement, particularly with Stanton’s ongoing elbow problems.

Martinez, now 37, is coming off a respectable yet unspectacular season with the Mets. While no teams had been publicly linked to him, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the Yankees have had “some contact” with Martinez’s representatives. Given Stanton’s uncertain status, it seems likely he will start the season on the injured list, allowing extra time for recovery and at-bats in extended Spring Training.

If a short-term deal can be struck, Martinez could be an intriguing option. However, the Yankees also have in-house alternatives—one being a familiar face in Anthony Rizzo. Utilizing Rizzo in a designated hitter role would eliminate the need for him to play defense, and while he’s a lefty, the primary goal here is power at the plate, isn’t it? Another potential option is Alex Verdugo, who remains unsigned but has a proven ability to hit. Unlike Martinez, these alternatives would provide a younger and possibly more versatile solution.

Last season, Martinez batted .235 with 16 home runs over 495 plate appearances for the Mets—not terrible, but the question remains: How much would the Yankees be willing to pay for a temporary fix?

Empire Sports Media recently highlighted the similarities between Martinez and Stanton, describing them writing “aging right-handed sluggers in the final stages of their career, , J.D. Martinez and Giancarlo Stanton share a lot of similarities, and that both make this a seamless fit short-term and a terrible fit long-term. There’s no chance at this point of his career that J.D. Martinez could handle an outfield spot, nor will the Yankees task Giancarlo Stanton with reps in the outfield.” While Martinez could serve as a short-term solution, his lack of defensive versatility and advancing age make him a less-than-ideal long-term fit. Similarly, the Yankees aren’t likely to give Stanton many outfield reps at this point in his career.

For now, the “Martinez to the Yankees” talk remains persistent, but whether it turns into a reality is yet to be seen. 

Stay tuned. It could get interesting.