Cody Snavely
In the 2022 MLB season, the league brought the Designated Hitter into the National League full-time. In the 2020 and 2022 seasons, the Dodgers used it as a rotating wheel to give guys off from the field, having players such as Will Smith, Justin Turner, and Max Muncy as regulars in the DH spot during the 2022 season. However, the signing of Red Sox slugger J.D Martinez may soon change the Dodgers’ philosophy for the DH position.
J.D Martinez (2022 [BOS]: .274/.341/.790, 16 HR)
With the signing of J.D Martinez, the Dodgers will now have their full-time DH for the 2023 season. In years past, a variety of players played DH in the line-up; however, with Martinez’s fielding ability, we can pretty much cross out any chance that he sees the outfield.
The Dodgers are taking a “risk” in many people’s eyes by signing J.D. to a one-year deal this season; however, he provides a big right-handed power bat that hit 43 doubles along with 16 home runs in 2022. Martinez is also reunited with former teammate Mookie Betts, and it is a duo that helped beat LA in the 2018 World Series. Along with reuniting with Betts, J.D. is also teaming up with former hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc a man he credits with revitalizing his swing.
I’ve always respected the Dodgers and played against them for so many years. And they’re always in the playoffs. They’re always in the mix. And that’s one of the main reasons I’m here. Is for the opportunity to win. … Not many people can say they played for one of the biggest teams in the East and one of the biggest teams in the West
In short, I believe in terms of value, J.D will be an upgrade over the potential production from former Dodger Justin Turner and will fit in nicely in the middle of the lineup and is a great teammate that will continue to help the younger players such as Miguel Vargas grow.
Other Options
Realistically J.D. will potentially play 140-150 games this season, with most of them, if not all, at DH; however, if he needs a day off, expect players such as Will Smith and Max Muncy slotting in at the DH spot in 2023. If J.D Martinez gets hurt, the Dodgers will likely revert back to how they treated the position in the past, rotating a handful of guys in that spot.
J.D. will undoubtedly be a centerpiece in the Dodgers lineup in 2023, and with his potential gap power, in Dodgers stadium, look out for a big season for the 35-year-old slugger.
DODGERSBEAT RATING B
