By Jordan Long
The Boston Red Sox have upgraded their outfield. J.D. Martinez agreed to a deal with the team, 5-years worth $110 million. Martinez can opt out after two seasons.
The Red Sox have eyed Martinez since the start of free agency. They know what he can do in the outfield, but they needed help batting. Last season the Red Sox finished 93-69 winning the American League East but they couldn’t hit the long ball. Boston ended up with 168 home runs, worst in the American League and 27th in all of baseball. They know in order to be one of the top teams in Major League Baseball that number must increase.
Martinez will be the every day right fielder. He can catch the ball and pick batters off trying to advance. He had 3 outfield assists last season. Martinez won’t make many errors as he had 4 all of last year. The Red Sox know the move will bolster the outfield.
The main reason they signed him is his hitting. Martinez hits on base and moves his teammates around the base paths. Martinez hit .303 with Arizona last year with 104 RBI’s. He also hits with power to drive a ball deep and out of the yard with 45 home runs. In his career Martinez whacked 152 home runs.
The Red Sox were a decent team before this move. Adding Martinez means the Red Sox can be more dangerous at the plate. He should be in the middle of their lineup. It takes pressure off of Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez, and Mookie Betts to be the only power hitters on the team. Opposing teams need to be careful with Martinez, one mistake and it will be a home run. If they decide to walk him, other batters on the team will make a pitcher pay. The Red Sox should now be the favorites with this move to win the American League East title and might increase their chances of a deep postseason run.
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