Former Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Why Angels are a great landing spot for six-time All-Star

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 2/25/24

After the Chicago Cubs and Cody Bellinger reportedly agreed to a three-year, $80M deal, J.D. Martinez is the best slugger on the market. The Los Angeles Angels should try to sign the World Series champion.

Per MLB Network's Mark Feinsand, the San Francisco Giants offered the outfielder and designated hitter a one-year, $14M deal. However, he was seeking $20M and declined the offer. The Giants signed Jorge Soler instead.

Prior to signing Jorge Soler to a three-year, $42 million contract, the Giants offered J.D. Martinez a one-year, $14 million deal, per sources. Martinez was seeking $20 million, and while he might have been willing to accept a little less, he declined the Giants' offer.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) February 25, 2024

Even though he's 36, the Angels could use Martinez's consistency at the plate. In 113 games with the Dodgers in 2023, he recorded a .271 batting average, a .893 OPS and 103 RBI, making his sixth All-Star game.

Last season, the Angels were 18th in baseball in batting average (.245) and 14th in RBI (719). Losing two-time American League MVP Shohei Ohtani — who signed a 10-year, $700M deal with the Dodgers this offseason — will exacerbate offensive problems.

More importantly, making a splash in free agency keeps outfielder Mike Trout happy. He recently told the media he's been pushing the team to sign stars, even though owner Arte Moreno wants to operate on a lower payroll. Trout also admitted he would consider asking for a trade if the team continues to mire in mediocrity. L.A. last made the postseason in 2014 and has had eight straight losing seasons.

As of Sunday, FanDuel gives the Angels the second-worst odds (+4500) to win the AL West. They should make roster improvements. Adding Martinez would be a good start.

Plus, they can afford to sign him. Spotrac estimates the Angels 2024 payroll is $156.9M, and the luxury tax is $237M.

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