San Francisco Giants’ Case For J.D. Martinez
The San Francisco Giants have been linked to trade talks with the Detroit Tigers for J.D. Martinez, as Jon Morosi tweeted. Talks of a trade started during the GM meetings last week, but have not progressed since.
San Francisco is currently in the market for a left fielder since Angel Pagan is unlikely to be brought back. While San Francisco is exploring the possibility of Mac Williamson starting full time, trading for Martinez would be an immediate offensive boost.
Detroit has been cited before last season’s trade deadline speaking to their appeal and interest in the Giants young pitching prospects before David Price was ultimately traded to Toronto. Martinez’ price may not come cheap, but the Giants have pieces the Tigers may still covet.
In 120 games played this season, he hit .307, with 22 HRs and 68 RBIs. Over his last three seasons he’s produced outstanding numbers posting a .299 average, with 83 HRs and 246 RBIs.
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For a team built to win now, the trade takes pressure off the San Francisco Giants’ brass and Williamson for the season who could serve as the fourth outfielder. However, the Giants philosophy for winning highly values defense. Martinez was one of the worst defenders in the league by metrics, so the trade does present risk.
Even riskier from the San Francisco Giants’ perspective, may be that he is a free agent after the 2017 season. Giving up prospects for a one-year rental may not be in the Giants best interests, and it certainly hasn’t in the past.
Indeed, the trade is intriguing, so provided will be a case made for the move, while analyzing positives and negatives of the deal.