Spring training is underway and Opening Day is fast approaching with J.D. Martinez and Alex Verdugo still among the free agents.
The pair of ex-Boston Red Sox players have yet to sign on with a new team. The New York Yankees seemed like a potential fit for Martinez after Giancarlo Stanton revealed he’s dealing with tendon issues in both elbows with no timetable for a return.
But The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that while the Red Sox’ rival reached out to Martinez, the two sides aren’t close. Heyman also noted New York doesn’t want to spend much, or any more money that it already has this offseason.
Martinez spent the 2024 campaign with the New York Mets. The 37-year-old finished with 16 home runs, 69 RBI and a .235 batting average — the lowest since the 2020 season when Martinez batted .213 in the shortened year.
As for Verdugo, who with the Yankees last year, he also remains without a contract. Heyman reported the Pittsburgh Pirates floated the idea of signing Verdugo to a contract around $8 million before they ultimately signed Tommy Pham.
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