At a quiet spring training complex in Florida, a J.D. Martinez launches another batting-practice fastball deep into the gap. He’s not on any team’s roster, and there’s no jersey with his name stitched across the back. It’s just a cage, a bat, and a five-time All-Star hitting like he never left. Yet, here he is—jobless.

Then, the spark came.

Jon Heyman, a longtime New York baseball insider, dropped a pointed observation that quickly lit up the MLB community. The Red Sox gave $9.5 million to a ‘World Champ’ this offseason, yet Martinez—who hit 33 home runs and posted an .893 OPS last year—is still waiting for a job. “JD Martinez is hitting and staying ready while waiting for a job,” he wrote. “No good reason he doesn’t have one.” That hits a nerve!

Heyman didn’t name names, but the jab was loud and clear. Boston’s decision to spend on mid-tier veteran help, like reliever Liam Hendriks or others in that price range—rather than reunite with a proven bat like Martinez, left fans and insiders questioning the front office’s vision. Even more jarring? Martinez remains unsigned, despite staying in shape and hitting regularly while teams trot out replacement-level DHs.

So why is J.D. still waiting?

On the surface, it doesn’t make sense. Martinez just wrapped up a season where he hit 33 home runs, logged 103 RBIs, and posted an OPS near .900—all while playing in a high-pressure Los Angeles Dodgers lineup. He didn’t limp to the finish line either; he remained a threat in key moments and showed no signs of significant decline. Why have teams not signed him heading into 2025?

A few possible explanations are floating around. Age is the most obvious—Martinez turned 37 this summer, and front offices have grown increasingly risk-averse with veteran hitters. Then there’s his lack of defensive flexibility. He’s a pure DH at this point, which narrows his market to the handful of teams with that slot open and no rising star pushing for at-bats.

Some execs may also be playing the waiting game, hoping to land him on a cheaper deal late in spring if injuries or underperformance shake up their roster. Others may simply be overvaluing youth and upside, opting for players who might become something rather than someone who already is.

However, with Martinez, there’s no need for speculation. He’s a plug-and-play power bat with playoff experience and a proven ability to perform in big moments. Waiting too long could mean missing out—or worse, letting a contender snag him at a bargain.

The bat’s still hot, but the line’s gone cold for J.D. Martinez

The silence around Martinez hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially by fans. As rosters filled up and fringe signings made it to the headlines, views got divided into how a proven slugger with Martinez’s track record is still without a home, and if he deserves a chance. And when Heyman shared his thoughts, they didn’t hold back.

There’s some skepticism about Martinez’s desire to return to the MLB. This implies that if Martinez really wanted to play in 2025, he’d be more vocal or aggressive about finding a team. Mentioning pickleball and enjoying time off in his last press conference comes off—at least to that commenter—as a sign that he might be content with semi-retirement, or at least not fully committed to jumping back in.

Martinez’s defensive limitations, especially as a full-time DH at this stage of his career, have led fans and analysts alike are suggesting that his value is one-dimensional. He can still mash, no doubt, but in an era where versatility and roster flexibility are gold, some teams may hesitate to commit a spot to a player who can’t contribute in the field.

It’s a fair point, but then again, how many teams wouldn’t take 30+ homers and veteran leadership in the heart of the lineup?

While Martinez’s overall 2024 numbers were solid, his second-half dip raised concerns about age-related decline, especially for a player who doesn’t offer defensive value. Add in the rumored asking price from his agent, reportedly still in the $10 million range, and teams may be hesitant to commit that much to a 37-year-old DH. In today’s market, where versatility and value deals are prized, those factors offer a very real explanation for why he’s still unsigned, despite the power still clearly being there.

The comment’s half-serious, half-sarcastic—suggesting that if no team is smart enough to sign Martinez as a player, then Mets owner Steve Cohen should at least bring him in as a hitting coach or assistant. It’s a nod to Martinez’s elite hitting knowledge and track record, implying he still has tons to offer—even if it’s not from the batter’s box. It’s also a subtle dig at the MLB front offices for overlooking someone who clearly knows how to hit at the highest level.

That sentiment sums up a lot of what fans are feeling—Martinez can still flat-out hit, and for a team like the Yankees that needs reliable right-handed power, he could be a perfect short-term fit. With questions around their DH spot and lineup consistency, taking a chance on a proven veteran like Martinez wouldn’t just be low-risk—it might be exactly the spark they need.

When you look at some of the lineups, teams like the Marlins or White Sox are running out—thin, inexperienced, and often lacking any real offensive threat. For the user, it’s almost laughable that they wouldn’t invest in a guy like Martinez. Not only can he still give you a professional at-bat every night, but he’s the kind of veteran presence who could actually help those young hitters grow in MLB.

In the end, it’s not just about the bat—it’s about the leadership, too. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know below.