MLB Rumors: Dodgers FA J.D. Martinez, Marlins Had 'Recent' Contract Discussions

The Miami Marlins "have had recent discussions" with free agent J.D. Martinez, according to Craig Mish of the Miami Herald.

Martinez is seeking a two-year deal, according to Mish.

Martinez, 36, is heading into his 14th MLB season.

He slashed .271/.321/.572 for the Los Angeles Dodgers on a one year, $10 million contract in 2023.

Martinez was also named the starting designated hitter for the National League in the 2023 All-Star Game, his third consecutive appearance at the event.

The Marlins currently "seem to prefer" rotating 2023 trade deadline acquisitions Josh Bell and Jake Burger at the DH position after both saw immediate success at the plate following their arrivals in Miami last season, per Mish.

Although the addition of one of the best hitters in the league is an intriguing option for a club already ranked second in the NL with a .259 team batting average in 2023, that commitment to Bell and Burger makes the Marlins a poor fit for Martinez "for now," Mish wrote.

The Marlins could always change their mind in order to fit in the veteran DH, much like the Dodgers did last offseason.

After initially splitting the position between three players the first season it was made an NL fixture in 2022, the Dodgers changed to having an everyday DH on the roster only after signing Martinez, per MLB.com's Juan Toribio.

The Marlins aren't the only team hesitating to add Martinez because of the commitment to prioritizing one player at DH.

Although Martinez played in Detroit between 2014 and 2017, the Tigers aren't interested in a reunion because they don't want a single DH, according to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. Petzold wrote that Detroit instead wants to build a roster "built to create and exploit matchups, such as a platoon advantage."

Other teams have expressed interest in Martinez, however. Reports have tied him to the Toronto Blue Jays, New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels.

If the Marlins decide to change tack and focus on a single DH, they will likely have to make a multi-year commitment to bring Martinez on board. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported the six-time All-Star turned down a one-year, $14 million offer from the San Francisco Giants in favor of a two-year deal earlier this offseason.