John Tomase explains why, despite some poor decision-making this season, Chaim Bloom deserves a B grade for his job performance as Red Sox GM through the first two plus years.
As the MLB trade deadline nears, J.D. Martinez's days in Boston appear to be numbered.
The veteran slugger is considered one of the most likely Red Sox players to be dealt before Tuesday's deadline. One American League executive reportedly went as far as to say Martinez is "as good as gone."
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Well aware of the trade rumors, Martinez reflected on his Red Sox tenure ahead of Friday night's game vs. the Milwaukee Brewers.
“Obviously, it’s a little different now,” he told MassLive.com's Chris Cotillo. “There’s obviously more at stake now and you don’t know. It’s one of those things where you just try to enjoy, try to enjoy the game. Whatever happens, happens, really.
“Everything has been great here,” Martinez added. “The fans are awesome. It has been fun. If I don’t come back here next year or whatever happens this year, it’s going to be a place that I miss.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets have been reported as potential suitors for Martinez with the latter sending a scout to Friday's game at Fenway Park. The Mets also have their eye on Sox catcher Christian Vazquez, per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
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Martinez, who helped the Red Sox to a World Series title in 2018, is in the midst of his fifth season with the club. The soon-to-be 35-year-old has struggled lately but is slashing .293/.361/.466 with nine homers and 30 doubles on the campaign. In 582 total games with Boston, Martinez has slashed .296/.368/.536 with 123 homers and 399 RBI.
Also likely on the trading block along with Martinez and Vazquez is veteran right-hander Nathan Eovaldi, who's set to hit free agency after this season. As for homegrown shortstop Xander Bogaerts, he was told by the team that he would not be dealt.
The trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.