The Baltimore Orioles are poised to make some waves in the American League East, and as they eye a challenge against the New York Yankees for the divisional crown, it’s clear that adding a veteran presence could be the key to their success. With a roster full of promising young talent, the Orioles are in a position where having a reliable, experienced bat could add significant depth and leadership to their lineup.
One name that stands out as a potential target is J.D. Martinez. As the team monitors Gunnar Henderson’s recovery from his intercostal injury, which he’s optimistic about, bringing in Martinez as an insurance policy seems increasingly sensible. Henderson’s potential absence, even if only temporary, places extra importance on acquiring a bat capable of contributing right away and mentoring the younger players as they navigate the rigors of a long season.
Martinez, who just wrapped up his 14th season in the big leagues, showed he’s still capable of delivering solid offensive production despite turning 37 last August. In 2024, he generated a 0.5 Wins Above Replacement, underscoring his value at the plate compared to a disappointing -0.4 for the position with the Detroit Tigers. With 16 home runs this past season, he may have experienced a slight dip compared to his impressive 33 homers for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, but he’s shown consistent offensive upside over the years.
There’s a good chance that his 2024 numbers were merely a blip on the radar, especially with the success he found just a year prior. Looking back, Martinez also racked up 16 home runs in 2022, which suggests he has more to offer, particularly as a designated hitter. In today’s MLB landscape, with many players extending their careers into their 40s, Martinez’s experience and ability to hit could remain valuable assets for a couple more seasons.
As for Henderson, he’s been working hard to get back on the field. “I’m feeling good,” he said recently. “Been swinging, taking ground balls and stuff, so I’m on the right track, progressing.” It’s good news for the Orioles, but recovering from an intercostal injury can be tricky—it’s often a matter of time, and rushing back isn’t advisable, especially for someone they see as a cornerstone of their future.
The Orioles got off to a blazing start in 2024, but they stumbled toward the finish line. They’re still in the process of learning what it takes to win consistently during the fall months, and it’s crucial that Henderson is healthy and ready to contribute when it matters most—namely, in August and September, rather than in the early weeks of spring. In the meantime, the addition of a player like Martinez could not only provide valuable at-bats but also ease some of the pressure on Henderson by allowing him to take the time he needs to recover fully.
Moreover, Martinez’s extensive playoff experience can’t be overstated. In a long MLB season, maintaining quality performance into the fall is an art that many teams struggle to master, but it’s a lesson that the young Orioles could benefit from immensely.
In short, bringing J.D. Martinez into the fold could set the stage for the Orioles to not only contend for the AL East title against the Yankees but also to push deep into the postseason, providing both the experience and the firepower needed for a legitimate World Series run. The Orioles are on the brink of something special, and a strategic addition like Martinez could be the catalyst for achieving greatness.
