3 Los Angeles Dodgers free agents who could play for the San Diego Padres in 2024

2) The San Diego Padres could sign J.D. Martinez as their designated hitter

Just when everyone thought J.D. Martinez was on his last legs with the Boston Red Sox in 2022, the Dodgers swooped in and bought low on the right-handed slugger for 2023. And that investment paid dividends (as usual).

After cracking 16 home runs in 2022, Martinez doubled that output with 33 long balls in 2023. He also raised his OPS over 100 points from .790 to .893. It's safe to say that's the kind of production the San Diego Padres wished they were getting from their designated hitters (DH) this season.

At 36, Martinez is probably past the point in his career where he'd command a long-term contract. That would bode well for the Friars, who similarly aren't in the best position to be offering such commitments.

It almost feels like this pairing makes too much sense, given Martinez' circumstances and the Padres' desperate need for consistency at the DH position. Nonetheless, A.J. Preller should work to make this slam dunk happen.