2 Former Dodgers All-Stars Surprisingly Haven't Received Contract Offers in Free Agency: Report
The Dodgers let a key player, All-Star slugger J.D. Martinez, walk this offseason. Martinez had a tremendous 2023 season with the Boys in Blue, and appeared to be in line for a significant contract this offseason. However, he has yet to receive a contract offer from any team, per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
The same goes for former Dodger All-Star and MVP Cody Bellinger. For some reason, these two players, coming off great seasons, are still without a team — or even a contract offer.
Spring training is less than three weeks away but Cody Bellinger and J.D. Martinez still have not received a formal contract offer.
It's not like these two sluggers are not wanted. Plenty of teams have these two on their radar, but a team has yet to extend a formal offer.
Bellinger is coming off his best year since his 2019 MVP season.
In 2023 with the Chicago Cubs, he slashed .307/.356/.525 with 26 home runs, 97 RBIs, and an OPS of .881. He is seeking a big contract after taking a 'prove-it' deal with the Cubs last season, and it appears teams are hesitant to give him what he's looking for.
As for Martinez, the designated hitter market is yet to take off which is likely why he remains without a formal offer.
However, he's coming off a dominant All-Star campaign in 2023, and should be considered the best DH on the market — at least for the 2023 season.
These two players are sure to find homes before the 2024 season gets underway — but it's surprising to see how long it's taken.
