The Chicago Cubs have been busy reshaping their roster for the 2024 season, making significant moves during the offseason. Following the acquisition of manager Craig Counsell with a hefty $40 million deal, they bolstered their starting rotation by bringing in Shōta Imanaga and secured the services of outfielder Cody Bellinger with a re-signing.
However, one notable free agent still on the market is veteran slugger J.D. Martinez, raising questions about whether the Cubs should pursue him as Opening Day approaches.
Brad Wakai of Sports Illustrated suggests that the Cubs should give Martinez serious consideration.
“Jed Hoyer and his staff certainly were able to address areas of need by adding a starting pitcher, Major League bullpen pieces, lineup depth, and getting back their star slugger. However, there are a few players throughout this roster that are prime candidates to regress in 2024. On the offensive side, those names are Cody Bellinger and Christopher Morel.”
Wakai highlights Bellinger’s resurgence in 2023 with the Cubs after struggling with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2020 to 2022 as a reason to consider Martinez’s potential impact.
Additionally, Wakai points out that younger players like Morel might face growing pains as they receive more opportunities in 2024, making Martinez’s veteran presence valuable for the team’s lineup and providing insurance against potential regressions.
Martinez, a right-handed slugger, demonstrated his prowess by hitting 33 home runs with 103 RBIs in just 479 plate appearances for the Dodgers in 2023. With three Silver Slugger Awards to his name and six All-Star selections in his career, Martinez brings a wealth of experience and offensive firepower. While his market value is estimated at $15.4 million, his limited defensive versatility poses a challenge, as he primarily functions as a designated hitter, having played only 39 outfield games since 2021.
The potential downside of acquiring Martinez lies in his restricted defensive capabilities, which could limit Manager Counsell’s flexibility in utilizing the designated hitter spot as a rotation mechanism to keep players fresh. This consideration is particularly crucial as the Cubs determine the role of players like Morel, who entered camp with a focus on playing third base but faces defensive uncertainties.
Wakai acknowledges that the Cubs’ front office might not be actively pursuing Martinez, but lingering free agents of his caliber could become increasingly attractive to teams as the offseason progresses. While Martinez’s defensive limitations present a hurdle, his offensive prowess and veteran leadership could offer valuable assets to the Cubs as they shape their roster for the upcoming season.
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