Former Red Sox Fan-Favorite Slugger Surprisingly Mentioned As Reunion Candidate

It sounds like a reunion could be a possibility for Boston this offseason

Could a reunion be on the way for the Boston Red Sox?

Boston needs to fill the designated hitter spot with Justin Turner possibly leaving the club in free agency. Some have speculated that Turner could be back in Boston in 2024, but at this point, it's more likely he will be playing elsewhere. 

The Red Sox have been linked to a handful of players in free agency already but haven't been able to get a deal done yet. The most talked about candidate at this point is former Miami Marlins slugger Jorge Soler, but there are other options out there.

One player who surprisingly has been mentioned as an option for the Red Sox is former fan-favorite J.D. Martinez, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"Though the Red Sox have checked in on Jorge Soler, there’s suspicion they will be outbid again, perhaps by the rival (Toronto Blue Jays)," Heyman said. "The (Seattle Mariners) also looked at Soler, but are seen as less likely.

"Former Red Sox J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner should be candidates to fill Boston’s need for a right-handed hitter, but they may more seriously consider a less costly option like Tommy Pham, Randal Grichuk, or perhaps even their old friend Kiké Hernandez."

Martinez certainly isn't a likely option but probably would make the fanbase happy. He was an All-Star last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and clubbed 33 home runs and drove in 103 runs. 

He would be a solid option offensively, but may not make too much sense overall, though. He's 36 years old and doesn't provide any help defensively which Boston has gone on the record and said it was looking for this offseason. 

Someone like Soler could provide some outfield depth while Martinez would have to be penciled into the designated hitter spot every day. Martinez was a star in Boston and helped lead the club to the 2018 World Series. He was a beloved member of the club and certainly could help in some ways, but may not be the best fit now sadly.

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