According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Texas Rangers recently made an offer to free-agent designated hitter J.D. Martinez. Martinez went unsigned after a quiet offseason but stated before spring training that he still intended to play in 2025 and was preparing to return in the second half of the season. The club offered Martinez a non-guaranteed contract, in case he receives an offer that he feels he’s worth, while continuing to stay in shape.
Rangers Make Contract Offer to J.D. Martinez
Martinez, 37, served as the Mets’ DH last season after receiving a contract at the tail-end of spring training. In 120 games, Martinez slashed .235/.329/.406 with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs, helping the Mets reach the National League Championship Series. His numbers were down compared to his previous years, but his batted ball metrics were still strong, barreling 15% of his batted balls and carrying an xBA of .256.
The Rangers’ offer to Martinez comes on the back of receiving league-worst DH production in 2025. Joc Pederson, whom the club brought into DH this offseason, is currently on the injured list with a broken hand. Before hitting the I.L., Pederson was hitting .131 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs in 46 games.
Since Pederson hit the I.L., Sam Haggerty, Wyatt Langford, and Adolis Garcia have been splitting time at the position. The Rangers currently sit at fourth place in the American League West at 40-41 and are only 1.5 GB of the last wild card spot. Adding a DH like Martinez would give their lineup a significant boost as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.
Other Potential Landing Spots
The Rangers aren’t the only team that could use Martinez’s services as we head towards the All-Star break. The Cincinnati Reds have been splitting DH reps among players such as Gavin Lux, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Tyler Stephenson, but could benefit from bringing in a full-time DH as they sit 2.5 GB of a playoff spot. Since the Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to San Francisco, they have been platooning Rob Refsnyder and No. 1 overall prospect Roman Anthony at DH, so adding Martinez could make sense if they are trying to find time for Anthony in the outfield. As a six-time All-Star and a career .283 hitter, other teams in the playoff hunt may be willing to take a chance on Martinez for some added offense as well.
Main Photo Credits: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The post Rangers Reportedly Make Offer to Free Agent DH appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.