In a stunning move that has ignited the baseball world, the Atlanta Braves have officially signed a highly coveted and battle-tested veteran slugger to a 3-year deal in free agency, marking one of the most surprising and impactful acquisitions of the offseason.
J.D. Martinez, the six-time All-Star and one of the game’s most consistent power hitters over the past decade. The Braves have inked the 36-year-old designated hitter and outfielder to a 3-year, $48 million contract, the team confirmed Tuesday morning.
“Adding J.D. gives us a proven bat, postseason experience, and another dangerous presence in the middle of our lineup,” said Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos. “We’re always looking for ways to improve — and this was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”
The signing comes on the heels of a strong campaign by Martinez, who hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs last season with the Dodgers, showing he still has plenty of pop left in his bat. His ability to mash fastballs and drive in runs makes him a perfect fit for a Braves team already loaded with offensive talent like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley.
While not a defensive addition, Martinez’s impact as a DH and veteran clubhouse leader could be enormous, particularly for a team with World Series aspirations. His postseason experience, including a World Series title with the Red Sox in 2018, adds yet another weapon to a team that already boasts one of the most potent lineups in the National League.
“This is a team built to win,” Martinez said during his introductory press conference. “When I saw what Atlanta had — the talent, the culture, the hunger to compete — it was a no-brainer. I’m here to help bring another championship to this city.”
The deal is a bold statement from the Braves front office: they’re not just content with division titles — they’re going all-in for another World Series run.
Fans took to social media with excitement and surprise, many calling the move a “steal” for the production Martinez brings. Others applauded the team for pushing all their chips in during a competitive NL race.
With J.D. Martinez now in the fold, the Braves have sent a loud and clear message to the rest of MLB — they’re not backing down, and they’re not done building a juggernaut.
