JD Martinez, Justyn-Henry Malloy, and the quest for increased scoring: Seeking additional offensive power.
It’s natural to consider reaching out to a former player like J.D. Martinez, but the Tigers have compelling reasons to focus on the future instead.
As we enter March, the fact that J.D. Martinez, the former Tigers slugger and fan favorite, remains unsigned is hard to ignore. While the possibility of a reunion was discussed at the beginning of the year, it seemed unlikely. Now, two months later, Martinez is still without a team. Although a reunion may appear slightly more plausible, it would be a significant shift from the Tigers’ offseason roster-building discussions.
Despite media speculation, the Tigers are inclined to explore internal options. Scott Harris and AJ Hinch have emphasized the value of flexibility in the designated hitter position this season. Considering factors like Riley Greene’s repaired UCL and the desire to have key outfielders in the lineup regularly, the team is cautious about introducing a part-time designated hitter, especially through a free-agent signing. The potential limitations, such as restricting the bench and lack of flexibility, make adding a pure designated hitter a challenging proposition.
While Martinez had a resurgent 33-home run season with the LA Dodgers in 2023, he is now 36 years old, strikes out more, and had two challenging seasons before his resurgence. Despite his offensive capabilities, fitting him into a roster with existing question marks is a complex task. The Tigers are wary of the risk that Martinez might experience a decline in performance at this stage in his career.
If the Tigers do decide to extend an offer to Martinez, and if he is willing to return in a limited role, the financial aspect of a one-year deal might be inconsequential. However, the Tigers have valid reasons to keep the designated hitter spot open. In case of a need for part-time offensive support, the Tigers’ farm system offers potential solutions.
One standout candidate is 24-year-old Justyn-Henry Malloy, a talented outfielder with a successful Triple-A season under his belt. While projections suggest similar offensive production between Malloy and Martinez in 2024, the Tigers may prefer the former due to his potential and flexibility. Malloy, known for his excellent hitting and disciplined plate approach, could provide a valuable offensive boost.
Despite Malloy’s strengths, there are areas for improvement, such as his susceptibility to breaking balls. His focus this spring is on being more aggressive and avoiding overreliance on waiting for the perfect pitch. The Tigers believe in Malloy’s potential and may consider promoting him to the major league level if he continues to develop.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue Martinez or invest in internal options like Malloy involves uncertainties. While Martinez’s past performance is noteworthy, there is also a possibility that it was his last standout season. The Tigers face the challenge of balancing potential with the risks associated with both external and internal offensive solutions.
