Diamondbacks Reportedly Interested in J.D. Martinez Trade

The Arizona Diamondbacks are reportedly interested in Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

Jon Morosi of the MLB Network first reported the D-backs' pursuit of Martinez but noted discussions between the sides are "not serious yet."

The 29-year-old slugger missed the start of the 2017 campaign with a foot injury but has resumed his typically productive ways since returning to the Tigers lineup, posting a .298/.379/.602 triple-slash line with 14 home runs across 54 appearances.

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports on Thursday noted that Martinez was one of three players, along with relief pitcher Justin Wilson and catcher Alex Avila, Detroit could move before the deadline.

In late June, the right fielder explained why he felt the Tigers should keep their core together, even though the season hasn't gone according to plan thus far, per Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press.

"Now it's like, 'Well, are the Tigers still selling? Are they still in it? What are they doing?'" Martinez said. "Now all of a sudden, we get hot and we go on—what did we lose, eight games in a row?—we go on an eight-game winning streak. Now all of a sudden you look up and we're a game out, two games out. You can be tied. You don't know what everyone else can do. So to me, it's like, July 31, a lot can happen."

Yet it's easy to understand why the front office would consider dealing Martinez: the Tigers' inability to put together such a hot streak coupled with his production and impending free-agent status.

Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks have exceeded expectations and own the top wild-card spot in the National League with a 53-37 record. Martinez would provide a power boost to an already potent offense and create a dynamic outfield with A.J. Pollock and David Peralta.