The Texas Rangers are fighting for a playoff spot heading into the summer despite being weighed down by one of the worst lineups in baseball. While help could come at the MLB trade deadline, Texas is pursuing reinforcements through free agency.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Rangers have made an offer to All-Star hitter J.D. Martinez. The veteran designated hitter remains a free agent, but has been keeping himself ready in case an MLB team offers what he’s looking for.
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- J.D. Martinez stats 2024 (ESPN): .235/.320/.406, 725 OPS, 16 home runs
Martinez signed a one-year deal to play for the New York Mets, receiving $12 million. He posted a .274/.358/.474 triple-slash line with 10 home runs and an .833 OPS in his first 234 at-bats. Across his final 200 at-bats last season, Martinez had a .599 OPS with a .190/.274/.325 line.
Turning 38 in August, Martinez earned his sixth All-Star selection in 2023 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He’s made it clear that he would prefer to keep playing, but no team has offered what the veteran right-handed hitter is seeking.
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- Texas Rangers lineup stats: 205 runs scored (26th), .228 batting average (27th), .293 OBP (28th), .366 slugging (27th)
If he agreed to a deal with Texas, Martinez would fill the void at the designated hitter spot. Jake Burger and Joc Pederson are both on the injured list, but both have also failed to deliver solid production when healthy.
The Rangers have already demonstrated that they have the pitching staff to compete for a Wild Card spot. Just one game below the .500 mark entering MLB games today, Texas is expected to be a buyer at the MLB trade deadline.
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