From day one, JD Martinez embodied the city of Detroit. The Astros picked him up with a 20th-round selection. Then, Houston cut him in 2014. He signed a minor-league deal with the Tigers. He quickly tore through AAA Toledo. The Tigers called him up in late April and he never looked back. Martinez was a deadly bat for Detroit. The right fielder got extra-base hits and home runs with ease. He even had an incredible moment back in 2016 – coming off the DL and hitting a home run in the first pitch he faced.

Detroit Tigers: J.D. Martinez makes up for lost time — *Source: Rick Ostentoski*

He had 4 amazing seasons in Detroit. But, Martinez was traded to the Diamondbacks in July 2017. The Tigers picked up three prospects in the deal.The trade did not work out long term. Sadly, none of the assets are even with the team.

Dawel Lugo

Source: Mark Cunningham

At the time of the trade, Lugo was the 4th best prospect in Arizona. Scouts said the 3B had the potential to develop some power in his bat. In three seasons with the Tigers, Lugo was alright. He batted .236 with just 7 homers. The Tigers gave him a meager 11 plate appearances in 2020. He was released in November. So, 0-1 on the JD Martinez Trade…

Sergio Alacantra

Watch Tigers' Sergio Alcantara homer in first MLB at-bat - mlive.com — *Source: Mike Mulholland*

Second, Jose Alacantra. The 18th ranked porspect in Detroit in 2017. He made his debut for the Tigers in 2020. Alacantra only batted .143 with just 3 hits with Detroit. The Dominican product was released by the Tigers in 2021. Alacantra was claimed by the Cubs off waivers and is currently in their organization. Now, we’re 0-2….

Jose King

Third, Jose King. King was just 17 years old when Arizona sent him over for JD Martinez. He never made it to the majors. King is still in a very low level of the Detroit farm system. Last, he played in 2019 for the short-season, single-A Connecticut Tigers.

What Happened with JD Martinez?

How the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox Share History in Real Time | PhotoShelter Stories — *Source: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox*

Martinez was pivotal in the Diamondbacks’ postseason run. Arizona made the 2017 Wild Card and beat the Rockies. The Dodgers crushed them in 3 games in the ALDS. After, Martinez would sign a 5-year, $110 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. He would finish 2018 in Boston as an All-Star and fourth in AL MVP voting.

Impressively, Martinez became the first player ever to win two Silver Sluggers (OF/DH). His incredible performance was capped off with a World Series title. In three seasons with the BoSox, Martinez has hit .301 with 86 home runs and 86 doubles. He is still with the team and debuted an iconic Tom Brady shirt last week.