With injuries piling up and postseason hopes hanging by a thread, the Texas Rangers are quietly laying the groundwork for a move that could change everything.
According to multiple league sources, the front office is engaged in ongoing conversations with six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez, a proven power hitter who remains unsigned but fully committed to returning to Major League Baseball in 2025.
For a team that’s lacked production from the designated hitter spot all season, this isn’t just another roster tweak — it could be the turning point Rangers fans have been waiting for.
An Offense in Need of a Spark
Texas began the year with high expectations and a stacked roster, but the designated hitter role has been a glaring weakness. Joc Pederson, brought in during the offseason to provide veteran power, has struggled mightily and is now sidelined with a broken hand. The DH role has since become a revolving door, with Wyatt Langford, Adolis Garcia, and Sam Haggerty rotating in — but none delivering consistent impact.
Currently sitting at 40-41, the Rangers are just 1.5 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot, but momentum is fading — and so is patience.
That’s why the interest in Martinez, 37, is so significant.
Why Martinez Makes Perfect Sense
Though he remained unsigned after the 2024 season, Martinez has made it clear he never intended to retire. In fact, he’s spent the last several months training privately in Miami, waiting for the right opportunity to contribute to a contending team.
And the numbers show he’s still more than capable.
Last season with the Mets, Martinez hit .235/.329/.406 with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs across 120 games — a dip from his All-Star peak, yes, but still better than what Texas has received from its DH slot in 2025. Behind the scenes, his 15% barrel rate and .256 xBA suggest his bat speed and timing remain sharp — and that with regular at-bats, he could still be a difference-maker.
Add in his postseason experience — including 86 career playoff games — and Martinez checks every box the Rangers need to fill: power, presence, and leadership.
Talks Are Ongoing — and the Timing Could Be Perfect
Sources close to the situation say discussions between the Rangers and Martinez’s camp are “active but strategic.” The club is reportedly weighing a non-guaranteed midseason deal, giving both sides flexibility while preserving salary space. Martinez, for his part, is said to be intrigued by the opportunity to join a lineup that still features young talent, championship DNA, and a shot at October.
If a deal is reached, Martinez could be ready shortly after the All-Star break — just in time to make a real impact down the stretch.
More Than a Bat — A Belief
For Rangers fans, this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about a team showing they’re still in the fight. Adding J.D. Martinez would send a clear message — that the front office hasn’t given up, that the season is still alive, and that help is on the way.
And in a year where every game matters, one big swing — from the right bat — might just be all it takes.
