Diamondbacks Bring In Power In J.D. Martinez

THE DEAL

The Diamondbacks, having lost 11 of 14 but still holding the first NL wild-card spot, made a move to bolster their lineup Tuesday by acquiring power-hitting J.D. Martinez from the Tigers for third baseman Dawel Lugo and shortstops Sergio Alcantara and Jose King.

Martinez, 29, is a free agent after the season and has had a strong year after missing the first six weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right foot. He’s hitting .305/.388/.630 with 16 homers in 232 plate appearances. He’ll slot into left field, where with Yasmany Tomas hurt Arizona has been forced to use Daniel Descalso, among others.

“It breaks my heart. I love J.D. (Martinez)… At the end of the day, it’s the best thing for the organization,” Tigers general manager Al Avila told reporters.

In acquiring Martinez, the Diamondbacks landed one of the best bats on the trade market. Martinez was a .300/.361/.551 hitter in his four years in Detroit. And they landed him without trading away a Top 100-caliber prospect.

TIGERS ACQUIRE
Dawel Lugo, 3B
Age: 22

Noted for his quick bat and excellent hands, Lugo is showing more patience this season and making pitchers come to him. His walk rate increased, but he still has work ahead to improve his approach and better tap into his above-average raw power. Lugo is trending in the right direction in his development regardless. Lugo ranked second on the Diamondbacks’ Top 30 coming into the season. He was set to rank fifth on our soon-to-be-released midseason update.

Club	Class	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Jackson	AA	.282	88	341	40	96	21	4	7	43	21	51	1	.325	.428

Sergio Alcantara, SS
Age: 21

The report on Alcantara has consistently been one of at least a solid defender with a plus-plus arm at shortstop, but he needs to add strength in order to become more of an impact hitter. The ingredients are there to hit, with a good feel for the barrel and good bat speed. Alcantara has been a defensive wizard at high Class A Visalia this season, although his lack of physicality leads most to give him a utility ceiling.

Club	Class	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
Visalia	HiA	.280	86	339	44	95	15	2	3	28	34	57	11	.345	.363

Jose King, ss
Age: 18

Signed for $75,000 in October 2015, King is all about athleticism. He has plus-plus speed and a short, a compact swing and good bat speed. His hitting approach is geared toward hitting line drives and keeping the ball on the ground. King shows quick hands and turns double plays well, but he has a friend fringe-average arm and is probably a better fit at second base. King ranked among the Top 20 Prospects in the Dominican Summer League last year.

Club	Class	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	OBP	SLG
AZL Diamondbacks	R	.261	13	46	7	12	0	2	0	9	3	20	2	.333	.348

DIAMONDBACKS ACQUIRE
J.D. Martinez, of
Age: 29

Famously released by the Astros in 2014, Martinez blossomed in Detroit, helped by hitting around stars such as Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. With the Tigers, Martinez had a .912 OPS with 99 homers in 458 games. He has come back from an injury this year with a surge, slugging .630 and mashing lefthanders to the tune of .474/.556/1.105, although in his career he has hit well against lefties and righthanders. He’s a free agent after the season, so there’s incentive for him to continue playing well as he heads into free agency with a power bat.