J.D. Martinez mentioned for Cubs as team looks for offensive upgrades

The Chicago Cubs likely will be forced to work with Scott Boras at some point this season but the issue remains that the Cubs and Boras are not even in the same zip code when it comes to the contract structure for Cody Bellinger's next deal.

It's a unique position for the Cubs to be in because if they are unable to work with Boras on a new deal with Bellinger, it's likely that the team would remain engaged with the agent regarding his other clients. Boras also represents Rhys Hoskins and Matt Chapman with each being a fallback option for a team that is unable to sign Bellinger.

Hoskins would be more of a fallback for the Cubs to Bellinger considering his ability to play first base. Patrick Mooney of The Athletic (Subscription Required) ran through the list of free-agent position players that Boras represents and while Hoskins and Chapman are named, veteran designated hitter J.D. Martinez also gets name-dropped.

Whereas Hoskins may be a name that the Cubs pivot to in the event that they miss on Bellinger, Martinez could very well be viewed as the second offensive upgrade for the team, assuming they are able to bring back the 2023 National League Comeback Player of the Year.

Martinez reignited his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. Martinez slashed .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and a 135 wRC+. The power return last season was an important aspect for Martinez considering he only had 16 home runs in his final season with the Boston Red Sox in 2022.

At 36 years old, it's likely that Martinez could be had on a short-term deal. That appears to be the biggest point of difference for the Cubs and their pursuit of Bellinger. If that difference can not be resolved, Martinez would make sense as the full-time designated hitter fo the Cubs.

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