Dodgers News: LA Adds Hitting Specialist For 2023 Season

The Dodgers just now announced that they will be signing JD Martinez to a one year $10 million contract.

The Dodgers have liked JD Martinez for quite a while and were rumored to be in conversation about reuniting him with former teammate Mookie Betts, and past coach Robert Von Scoyoc. 

And today, that possibility became a reality as the Dodgers signed Martinez to a one-year $10 million contract. 

Designated hitter J.D. Martinez and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, sources familiar with the deal tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 17, 2022

Martinez is a perfect fit for Los Angeles as he has both the experience and the stats coming off an All-Star season at the age of 34. 

In his most recent season, he slashed .274/.341/.448 with a .790 OPS. He is a 12-year veteran who spent his last five seasons with the Boston Red Sox and winning the World Series in 2018.

Additionally, he has quite an impressive track record in the postseason as well:

J.D. Martinez continued to slug last year, hitting 16 home runs and 43 doubles.

He’s been an All-Star the last two seasons and should be a very nice addition to the Dodgers’ lineup.

He’s also a career .303 hitter in the postseason with nine home runs and a .987 OPS in 30 games.

— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) December 17, 2022

Martinez primarily appears as a designated hitter with a few showings in the outfield. But with Justin Turner potentially the door now after LA decided not to give him a qualifying offer, the Dodgers will move the former Silver Slugger into the DH role along with Max Muncy.

Maybe J.D. coming over to the West Coast was always written in the stars as he homered four times in Dodger Stadium back in 2017. But we're lucky to have him on our side now and excited for him to hit more dingers in the Chavez Ravine.