The NL West will be even more competitive as the Arizona Diamondbacks went out and acquired Jd Martinez. The former Detroit Tiger outfielder has batted .305 on the season with 16 home runs and 39 runs batted in. He has the best slugging percentage against left handed pitchers since he came off the disabled list on May 12. The Diamondbacks had a hole in their outfield as Yosmany Tomas is unlikely to return anytime soon, but now they are set to make a bigger playoff push.
Trade is a steal for Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks gave up their second best prospect in their farm system for Martinez.
The Tigers received Double-AA third baseman Dawel Lugo, infield prospect Sergio Alcantara, and shortstop Jose King.
Lugo is regarded as the team's second best prospect in the organization, but he had a road block in making the roster. The team has All Star Jeremy Lamb as the team's starting third baseman. A move to shortstop would have been impossible as Chris Owings has that job held down as well. In the end, the Diamondbacks gave up a top prospect that was unlikely to see the team's major league roster.
Now, Martinez joins a lineup that features Lamb, Paul Goldschmidt, David Peralta, and AJ Pollock. That is a deadly middle of the order for the Diamondbacks. Not to mention, the NL West is chuck for of left handed starters.
With Martinez batting in the middle of the order, the Diamondbacks are better, which is actually quite scary
Tigers also win in the deal
The Tigers benefit from this deal as well. Martinez was making about $11 million this past season and is set to be a free agent at the end of this season. It was unlikely that the Tigers were going to re-sign Martinez since they are looking at going into a rebuild.
Lugo helps the Tigers going forward.
If Lugo can learn how to play second base, the Tigers will benefit. Ian Kinsler is 35 years old. Jose Iglesias is 27 years old, but can play multiple positions if needed. Even if Lugo is around, Iglesias could be gone as he is a free agent at the end of 2019. If the Tigers weren't going to re-sign Martinez, then this is a stepping stone moving forward.
Mom was a day early
According to the report from ESPN, the trade rumors surrounding Martinez were so hot that Martinez's mom texted Martinez if he had been traded. During yesterday's game, Martinez was pulled from the game for "lower back tightness." The Tigers ultimately claimed that it was a precautionary move. Apparently, his mother texted him a day too soon. Now, she will have to pay attention to Diamondback games to watch her son.
