After a few months in the Valley, it looks like slugger J.D. Martinez is headed back east.
The former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder and one of the most prized free agents on the market has reached an agreement with the Boston Red Sox, according to multiple reports Monday. The news comes just days after reports said the D-backs had discussed a possible short-term deal to keep Martinez in Arizona.
The Red Sox are giving Martinez a five-year deal worth $110 million, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
J.D. Martinez averaged a homer every 9.60 AB in 2017, the lowest single-season mark (min. 450 PA) since Barry Bonds in 2004 (8.29). #RedSox https://t.co/Hk7FfzvhUn
— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) February 19, 2018
The 30-year-old Martinez was acquired via a trade with the Detroit Tigers in July. He posted incredible numbers in just 62 regular-season games with the D-backs: 29 home runs (including a four-home-run game), 65 RBIs and a .302 batting average. But the type of money Martinez and his agent were reportedly seeking made it difficult for the D-backs and Martinez to reach an agreement.
Martinez has seven years of MLB experience, with the D-backs, Tigers and Houston Astros. He has a career .282 batting average with 152 career home runs.
Also on Monday, the D-backs signed centerfielder Jarrod Dyson to a two-year contract reportedly worth $7.5 million. The 33-year-old Dyson hit .251 with five home runs, 30 RBIs and 28 stolen bases with the Seattle Mariners last season. He spent his first seven MLB seasons with the Kansas City Royals.
Steve Gilbert of MLB.com said the D-backs were completing their signing of Dyson before the Martinez news was reported, and Dyson "is not viewed as a replacement for Martinez."
Guess we got JD after all!!!! Please give a warm @Dbacks welcome to @mrzoombiya #letsgoo
— Archie Bradley (@ArchieBradley7) February 19, 2018
