The Detroit Tigers just finished a trip to Dodgers stadium for a three-game series on Wednesday night, and they were victorious, scoring the win 4-2. Reese Olsen was the star of the game as he allowed only two hits and one run. Throughout the series, former Tiger J.D. Martinez was a thorn in Detroit’s side as he blasted out three home runs, two of which came in game one. Martinez had five hits, six RBIs, and three walks in the series as well. It made me wonder, could he return to the Tigers in 2024?
A familiar face back in the Motor City?
The 2024 Detroit Tigers have as good of a chance as any to win the American League Central division. This is mostly because of the younger stars that we haven’t seen in the Tigers organization making their way to the Motor City. Spencer Torkelson alone could move the needle for the Tigers as he has emerged as a breakout star in 2023. The former first overall pick is only getting better. Detroit is a couple of pieces away from overtaking the Twins for the AL Central crown next year. Miguel Cabrera is retiring, which will free up a lot of money during the off-season. It will also create a need for a right-handed designated hitter. Kerry Carpenter should see a lot of time at the DH spot in the lineup next season vs. right-handed pitchers, but he can also spend some time in the corner outfield. There will be a couple of hurdles to overcome for Tigers fans who want to see Martinez back in Detroit. First of all, will the price be right? It will have to be reasonable. Although he is having a fantastic season, he will be turning 37 in August. The other question Scott Harris, and recently hired GM Jeff Greenberg, will need to ask themselves is, how valuable will Martinez be towards winning the division and will he regress in 2024. J.D. has 29 Home Runs this season. That would tie him with Spencer Torkelson for the team lead in HR’s if he was a tiger. Martinez’s .268 batting average would be better than any hitter on the Tigers. His .323 OBP would be second just behind Matt Vierling and his .561 slugging percentage would lead Detroit by a wide margin. So, without a doubt there would be a lot of value in rotating Carpenter and Martinez in the lineup. Detroit might stick with what they are doing now and give prospects more opportunities though. If they decide to look inside the organization for a right-handed designated hitter, Justyn-Henry Malloy would make a lot of sense. Once again, it will come down to how much Martinez will cost. If he’s asking for a pretty penny, I don’t think Detroit will pursue him. Perhaps if he were a few years younger the Tigers would be more aggressive in pursing him. It will be an interesting off-season to say the least, not sure what the 2024 Tigers will look like, but hopefully they will come out as contenders to win the division.
