Martinez has been a significant difference maker for this team since the moment he sent a Ben Rowen pitch into left field on Sept. 28, 2016. Smart gamblers would bet on the same being true in 2019, regardless of the obstacles standing in his way at the moment.
The Cardinals were not shy about shopping Martinez. That dates back to at least the last trade deadline, and it really revved up after the season, reaching a fever pitch at the winter meetings. Martinez, knowing he could be moved, signed up to serve as a designated hitter in a Venezuelan winter league to stay sharp.