MLB Insider Links Angels to Free Agent All-Star Designated Hitter as Shohei Ohtani Replacement
The Los Angeles Angels are waiting like everyone else to see where two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani will play next season. He is expected to leave the Halos, and if he does, there will be a big void within the lineup.
However, MLB insider Mark Feinsand of MLB.com has linked the Angels with slugger J.D. Martinez this winter as a replacement for Ohtani if he leaves the team.
"Assuming that Shohei Ohtani signs elsewhere, the Angels will be seeking a replacement at designated hitter. Martinez had a stellar season just down the road for the Dodgers, hitting 33 home runs with 103 RBIs and an .893 OPS in 113 games. He may not be Ohtani, but who is?"
Martinez is the next best thing on the open market at the designated hitter position and he would fill the role well. He had a great year with the Dodgers and could bring some veteran leadership to the Halos clubhouse.
The biggest question is whether he would be interested in joining a team like the Angels since they aren't a true contender. At this point in his career, Martinez likely wants to get paid and be on a winning team.
But if he did join the Angels, they would benefit greatly. He helped set records with the Dodgers offense, and while the Angels lineup isn't as strong, he could provide them a true power-hitting bat.
Marinez and star outfielder Mike Trout could make the Halos lineup lethal, and opposing pitchers would fear it. All he does is mash the ball, something that any team could benefit from.
Ohtani holds all the cards here because it has been rumored that if he doesn't land with the Dodgers, they will pivot back to Martinez. It remains to be seen where Martinez and Ohtani both land, but the offseason is just getting started.
