With J.D. Martinez returning to the free agent market following his one-year deal signing for the 2023 campaign, the Los Angeles Dodgers will be concentrating on finding a designated hitter over the offseason.

The Dodgers will likely prioritize Shohei Ohtani for the role of president of baseball operations. It is believed that Andrew Friedman is “obsessed” with the two-way star. Ohtani would provide an ace for the Dodgers starting rotation starting in 2025 and cover DH duties for the next ten years if he signed.

Max Muncy, who just inked a two-year agreement, is another option for the organization to fill their DH position if Ohtani isn’t signed. With his hitting prowess, Muncy would flourish as a designated hitter, but his defensive shortcomings at third base would leave a gap at the hot corner.

If the Dodgers are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Ohtani, re-signing Martinez could be another backup plan, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post:

If Martinez had accepted the extended qualifying offer, which is worth $20.35 million, he would have been signed to a one-year contract worth that amount. The Dodgers would have been prepared to receive compensation in the event that Martinez signed with another team, if he had declined.

Martinez received a qualifying offer that would have more than doubled his pay for 2024, even though he just signed for $10 million last offseason. But following his successful season, the veteran positioned himself for a multi-year contract.

Martinez ended the 2023 MLB All-Star Game as the starting DH for the National League and was a hitter.With 61 runs scored, 103 RBI, 271/.321/.572, 33 home runs, and a 135 wRC+

Although it makes sense to wait for Ohtani, there is some risk involved. In addition, if Ohtani decides to sign with another team and Martinez is added by a team that jumps the market, the Dodgers may lose out on signing the 36-year-old.

J.D. Martinez is a finalist for the Silver Slugger.Will Smith, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Victor Martinez were all selected as Dodgers NL finalists for the 2023 Silver Slugger Award.

Only Betts emerged victorious, winning his sixth career Silver Slugger.