J.D. Martinez's fantasy numbers could be even better in Arizona
Steve Gardner
The best power hitter on baseball's trade market has a new home.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have struck a deal to acquire outfielder J.D. Martinez from the Detroit Tigers for three prospects, making an already-potent offense even stronger.
Martinez, 29, missed the first six weeks of the season with a foot injury, but has made up for lost time since returning on May 11, posting a .305/.388/.630 slash line with 16 homers and 39 RBI.
Martinez will bump David Peralta to left field in Arizona, where he should fit nicely into the No. 5 spot in the D'backs batting order.
LF David Peralta
CF A.J. Pollock
3B Jake Lamb
1B Paul Goldschmidt
RF J.D. Martinez
Although Martinez really liked hitting at Comerica Park -- he had an OPS of 1.177 at home this season and 1.041 in 2015 -- he should enjoy the hitter-friendly environment in Phoenix even more.
According to ESPN's Park Factors, Chase Field ranks second to Coors Field this season in promoting scoring. And it's behind only Yankee Stadium for home runs.
Fantasy impact
Fantasy owners in NL-only leagues are once again big winners -- as they were last week when pitcher Jose Quintana was acquired by the Chicago Cubs.
Martinez should command the maximum FAAB bid in all NL-only formats. He's a free agent at the end of the season and was clearly the best hitter available on the trade market.
It's highly unlikely anyone else close to his talent level will come over from the AL before the July 31 trade deadline. For pitching-starved owners, Sonny Gray or possibly Zach Britton could be valuable crossovers, but don't expect anyone to make the kind of impact Martinez will.
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Playing time changes
Daniel Descalso and Chris Hermann have been playing left field most recently for the Diamondbacks, but their reduced playing time shouldn't have any major impact on fantasy owners.
The three prospects Arizona gave up aren't close to reaching the majors.
For the Tigers, Mikie Mahtook and Alex Presley figure to see everyday at-bats in center and right field, with Jim Adduci getting a promotion from Class AAA to fill Martinez's roster spot. The only fantasy impact they'll have will be in deep AL-only leagues.