Cleveland Guardians rumors: How about J.D. Martinez?

By now, you've heard plenty about the Cleveland Guardians' local television woes and how it's impacting the team financially.

And yeah, it's likely going to sting for a bit, at least until Major League Baseball swoops in and helps teams recoup at least some of what they expected to make in 2024 (which could be happening sooner than later).

Sure, all of that uncertainty puts the Guardians out of the running on the big-name free agents, but since when have they ever really been in the mix there, anyway?

With a young roster still trying to learn how to win, the Guardians are in desperate need of affordable veteran talent, of which there is no shortage in the free-agent market.

J.D. Martinez would be a perfect fit in Cleveland in 2024, but it's hard to see it happening as much as we want to will it to happen in these parts. Here's why.

Why J.D. Martinez Won't Be Coming to the Guardians

When he signed with the Dodgers last offseason on a one-year $10 million deal, he had this to say: "I'm in a part of my career where I just want to win." At this point, can Cleveland confidently sell him on that fact?

Of course, at 36 years old, Martinez might not have many suitors chasing after him this year. But that being said, he also doesn't show many signs of slowing down at this stage of his career. He's been an All-Star each of the past three years, and he was very productive with Los Angeles, slashing .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs, 27 doubles, 103 RBI, and a 134 OPS+ in just 479 plate appearances (he was limited by back and groin injuries last season).

Martinez essentially took a pay cut to play for the Dodgers in 2023, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him get another one-year deal from a contender of some kind for something close to $20 million. Given his age and injury concerns, it would be a surprise to see him get a two-year deal, but the production is still there, so it could definitely happen.

Martinez would be a great fit in Cleveland, it's just not likely to happen. Don't worry, though; there are plenty of other names out there worth pursuing.