J.D. Martinez’s departure from the Boston Red Sox in free agency was made all the more depressing this week when he opened up about the process that led to his signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In an interview with Audacy’s Rob Bradford on “The Bradfo Sho” podcast, Martinez expressed his desire to join a playoff contender and his concern that he would be left out if the Red Sox found their man in free agency. Martinez signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Dodgers just days before Boston officially signed ex-Dodger Justin Turner to a two-year, $21.7 million contract.
“I wanted a team that was going to be in October, be in the swing of things all year and give me a chance to win,” Martinez said. “I didn’t want to get stuck with the Red Sox getting the guy they wanted and me left (feeling) wondering where I was going to go.”
Martinez’s comments put into perspective just how far the Red Sox have fallen since their World Series title in 2018. After finishing last in the AL East in 2022, Boston is no longer considered a legitimate playoff contender, and veterans like Martinez no longer view the club as a viable option.
It remains to be seen if the Red Sox can prove Martinez and the rest of the league wrong by overachieving in 2023, but for now, Martinez’s comments offer a sobering reminder of where Boston stands in the MLB hierarchy.
