Four big reasons the 2018 Boston Red Sox are a different team
The New Guy
While the Boston Red Sox still boast the same young vibrant core of guys like Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Andrew Benintendi, there is one piece that caused rapid change. That comes in the form of J.D. Martinez. The right fielder was signed this offseason following a standoff between Dave Dombrowski and Martinez’ agent Scott Boras. Boras commanded no less than 7 years and over 200 million dollars for his client at the start of the offseason.
More from Boston Red Sox
- 3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox
- MLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return
- Red Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win
- Mookie Betts Has Humble Outlook on Returning to Fenway
- Alex Cora Reveals What He Said to Cause NSFW Response from Justin Verlander
After a long 4 month holdout by the Sox, they managed to sign him to a 5-year 110 million dollar contract with the fifth year being an option. In 54 games with the Red Sox, Martinez is boasting an average of .320 (15th in majors) with 17 home runs (2nd) and 44 RBIs (T-1). On April 12, JD Martinez was hitting .227 with a .725 OPS. Since then, he’s hit the cover off the ball.
JD has paid dividends for a Red Sox team that since the departure of David Ortiz, has been without the true power hitter to bat cleanup. One of the most encouraging things about Martinez is his approach. He is always looking to make strong contact, with his ISO power numbers being second in the league only to his teammate, Mookie Betts.
Martinez also excels at hitting the ball out of the park in all different directions, with many of his big knocks being to the opposite field, showing that he is one of the most competent hitters in Major League Baseball, and is a major part of a power-hungry Red Sox offense.