After months of rumors and speculation, former Arizona slugger J.D. Martinez has signed with the Red Sox. Boston was finally able to seal the deal for a cool $110 million over five years. The contract is heavily front loaded and gives Martinez opt-out options after the second and third seasons. This addition gives Boston one hell of a lineup. Martinez, an outfielder by trade, is slotted for the DH spot and will likely see time in either corner as matchups and rest allow. J.D. will fill a void in the middle of the lineup that has hurt Boston big time since David Ortiz has retired. This lineup sorely missed power production last year, but that problem is solved now. Martinez has quietly been one of the best power hitters the last four seasons and this move to a bigger market will put his bat in the national spotlight where it belongs. For those of you who are skeptical about the big numbers, here’s the stat to shut you up. Martinez became the first player since Albert Pujols in 2009 to hit .300+ and slug over .650. Martinez is a pure hitter with major pop. Boston fans should expect a few dents in the Green Monster over the next few seasons.
