As the baseball season draws closer and closer, the MLB Network has been pushing out their position rankings for the top players at each position right now. When they revealed their top right fielders in the game Detroit Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez landed 5th on the list.
Martinez signed as a free agent with Detroit back in March of 2014, after being released by the Houston Astros. After spending a couple of months in the minors, J.D. burst onto the scene with some unexpected power, hitting for a .315 average with 23 home runs in just 123 games with the club. With a regular spot in 2015, he had a breakout season hitting 38 HR, driving in 101 RBIs, and accumulating a .282 average–earning himself a spot on the American League All-Star team. In an injury-shortened 2016, Martinez still provided some pop racking up 22 HR and 68 RBIs in just 120 games. And of course who could forget this magical reappearance from the disabled list:
https://twitter.com/DetroitMoments/status/762136730673803264
Martinez is signed with the Tigers through the remainder of this year, and the team’s contention will determine whether or not he remains a Tiger, as he’s been the name tossed around in numerous trade negotiations. Here’s to hoping the Tigers stay in contention and keep one of the better, young, power-hitting outfielders in the fold.
The complete list from MLB Network-Top 10 RF right now:
- Mookie Betts – BOS
- Bryce Harper – WAS
- Nelson Cruz – SEA
- Giancarlo Stanton – MIA
- J.D. Martinez – DET
- Jose Bautista – TOR
- Carlos Gonzalez – COL
- Hunter Pence – SF
- Josh Reddick – HOU
- Stephen Piscotty – STL
