MLB Analyst Identifies This Free Agent Slugger As Perfect Fit For Guardians

USA Today's Bob Nightengale says GMs view the Cleveland Guardians as a perfect fit for J.D. Martinez.

Spring training gets underway in just over two weeks. Before we know it, exhibition games will be taking place in Goodyear, Arizona with Opening Day quickly following that. However, several free agents have yet to sign with a team heading into the season. 

One of those players without a home for 2024 is veteran slugger J.D. Martinez. USA Today's Bob Nightengale said that general managers around the league view Martinez as a perfect fit for the Cleveland Guardians.

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Let's look at the facts.

Cleveland hit the fewest home runs in all of baseball last season. Another right-handed bat would help even out their heavy left-handed lineup. This young roster could benefit from another veteran voice in the clubhouse, especially with a rookie manager.

Martinez helps check all of those boxes. 

Yes, he's 36 and in the closing stages of his career, but J.D. has still proved over the last few seasons that he can bring value to any roster.

He spent 2023 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and had a .271/.321/.572 slash line with a .893 OPS in 113 games. Martinez also hit 33 home runs and 103 RBI. He would've led the Guardians in both of those categories if he were on their roster.

There would be a valid question of where he would play if the Guardians do sign the veteran bat. Martinez's days of playing the outfield are well behind him which leaves DH as the only open spot. 

You also have to factor in that Kyle Manzardo will at some point on the roster and Deyvison De Los Santos will need playing time. This would push Josh Naylor to be the team's designated hitter on those days.

Overall, Martinez would be a solid fit on this roster. However, finding the playing time for while Cleveland evaluates some of their other talent is a more complicated conversation.