As they look to improve the designated hitter spot for 2024, the National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in a pair of former Los Angeles Dodgers All-Stars to fill the role.
The Arizona Diamondbacks were the best story in MLB this past season. After a trio of losing years, manager Torey Lovullo was able to guide the team into the playoffs during the final weeks of the 2023 season and then shock the baseball world by reaching this year’s World Series.
Related: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. reaches new 3-year deal with Arizona Diamondbacks
Not only did they sweep the NL Central champion Brewers, but they sent division rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers packing in just three games and somehow overcame the October magic of the Philadelphia Phillies to reach their first World Series in over 20 years.
While they did not achieve their ultimate goal, 2023 will go down as one of the greatest in Diamondbacks history.
Arizona Diamondbacks interested in JD Martinez and Justin Turner to be 2024 DH
With the team built to be a playoff contender again in 2024, the Arizona front office is out in free agency this month looking to maintain and improve their surprise roster from this season. While their lineup was good, they could certainly use more from the DH spot and a new report has revealed a pair of multi-time All-Stars they are targeting on the open market.
On Sunday, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that “the Diamondbacks have targeted J.D. Martinez and Justin Turner to fill their vacant DH spot.” He also does note that Martinez’s price tag currently is high and it may make signing the six-time All-Star more of a long shot.
Martinez was an All-Star for the Dodgers in 2023 and slugged 33 home runs despite turning 36 in August. Turner was a two-time All-Star for LA and a key member of their 2020 championship team before joining the Red Sox this year. He also had a strong season for the AL East club despite an advanced age (39).