Angels All-Star Free Agent Target Has Had Discussions With NL East Squad

The Angels have been looking to make a splash in free agency.

All offseason the Angels front office has been looking to make a splash in free agency, but so far, nothing has come to fruition. The team has upgraded their bullpen but hasn't signed anyone who is a true game-changer.

The Halos have been in contact with some of the bigger names still left on the open market, but the asking prices have been very high. One player that has been connected to the Angels all winter has been slugger J.D. Martinez.

Martinez had an All-Star campaign last year with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he could provide a real spark to the Halos offense. He is reportedly seeking a two-year deal after his strong season and has recently held a conversation with the Miami Marlins.

Free Agent J.D. Martinez and the Marlins have had recent discussions. Miami seems to prefer the rotating DH combo of Josh Bell & Jake Burger thus not a fit, at least for now. Martinez is seeking a 2 year deal per source.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) March 8, 2024

It seems that Martinez may not end up in Miami, but he is looking around the league. If the Halos want to land him, they may need to be a little more active in getting a deal done.

Martinez could provide a true power-hitting designated hitter in the middle of the lineup, alongside Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon. This is the type of move that could help counteract losing Shohei Ohtani, so the Angels may look to land him.

Last season with the Dodgers, Martinez hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 runs batted in over 113 games. He was a consistent presence in the Los Angeles lineup and could do the same for the Halos.

Giving him a two-year contract wouldn't the the worst idea, as he could help the younger players develop on the team. He has been around for a long time and knows what it takes to win at the highest level.