MLB free agency: J.D. Martinez seeking $200 million deal

J.D. Martinez and his agent Scott Boras will be seeking a contract in the $200 million range this winter according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. As one of the top hitters on the market, Martinez may get his wish this offseason.

Martinez, 30, had a career-year in the final year before free agency, hitting to an incredible .303/.376/.690 (1.066 OPS) slash line with 45 bombs, 104 RBIs, and 26 doubles in just 119 games between Detroit and Arizona. After being acquired by the Diamondbacks at the trade deadline, Martinez went on a tear hitting 29 homers in just 62 games. Over the last four seasons, Martinez has hit to a combined line of .300/.362/.574 with 128 homers, 350 RBIs, and 124 doubles in 520 games.

At first glance, a $200 million deal may seem ridiculous, but after seeing the massive lengthy contracts that Jason Heyward, Chris Davis, and other sought after free agents have received of late, it is not out of the question that Martinez may get what he desires. Obviously, this deal with have to span close to a decade, with an average annual value of upwards of $25 million, which is a steep price for any franchise to commit to.

Boras is notorious for asking for seemingly outrageous contracts, but with Martinez producing at a superstar level for the fourth year in a row, he could receive a contract that approaches the desired $200 million range. There are some concerns about his injury history that has kept him off the field for some time in three of the past four season, but his production when healthy may overshadow that.

It is unclear what teams will be in on Martinez, but he will be a hot commodity on the open market this offseason, especially without a qualifying offer hanging over him. Some early favorites to sign Martinez this season include the Red Sox, Giants, and Cardinals. Boras also expects the Diamondbacks to bid for his client, but there have not been any indications as to whether owner Ken Kendrick intends to do so or not.