Dodgers Free Agent All-Star Reportedly Rejected Giants Offer in Free Agency
While the additions of Teoscar Hernandez and Shohei Ohtani likely prevented a reunion between the Dodgers and JD Martinez, it doesn't mean that the professional hitter doesn't still hold a place in the hearts of those who bleed Dodger Blue.
Martinez is still out on the market unsigned. It's a curious turn of events, considering he is still a good hitter with plenty of postseason experience.
Last season, functioning predominantly as the Dodgers' designated hitter, Martinez hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 runs batted in. He was a very good teammate, and the word is that L.A. loved having his presence on the roster.
While he remains a free agent, Jon Heyman dropped a nugget on Martinez's recruitment, which likely endeared Martinez even more to the L.A. fan base.
"Before the Giants signed Jorge Soler, they made an offer to J.D. Martinez. Word is the ex-Dodger didn’t want to go there. The Rangers are a potential fit for Martinez."
There are several reasons why Martinez didn't want to sign with San Francisco.
The Giants don't exactly play in a hitter's park. Martinez hails from Florida and has played much of his professional career away from the West Coast. Perhaps he wants to be closer to his native Miami.
Regardless of the reason, the Dodgers (and their fans) are most likely thrilled Martinez did not end up in the Bay Area. Having to face a hitter of Martinez's quality consistently in divisional showdowns wouldn't be an ideal situation.
L.A. is also probably hoping that Martinez doesn't end up in the desert with the Diamondbacks.
