"I am looking for him to have a really big bounce back"- Former MLB player anticipates a huge season from new Dodgers' slugger J.D. Martinez

Former American League RBI leader J.D. Martinez has found a new home ahead of the 2023 season. Experts are looking forward to the 35-year-old power hitter having a season reminiscent of his past glory.

After five seasons with the Boston Red Sox, including the 2018 World Series campaign, Martinez decided to switch it up. Upon the expiry of his contract with the Red Sox, Martinez agreed to a 1-year contract worth $10 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"JD Martinez says he chose to play for the Dodgers because he wanted an opportunity to win" - @ Talkin' Baseball

Martinez had the best season of his career with the Red Sox in 2018, hitting a league-best 130 RBIs and 43 home runs. Since then, his offensive production has slowly tapered off

Martinez batted .274 with 16 home runs and 62 RBIs last season, his worst offensive year since 2017 with the Detroit Tigers. Some are expecting 2023 to usher in a version of Martinez that more closely resembles his prowess in seasons past.

Speaking on an MLB Network panel, former utility man Xavier Scruggs explained that he anticipated a rebound for Martinez in 2023 as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I'm looking for him to have a really big bounce back," said Scruggs

He last appeared in the MLB as a member of the 2016 Miami Marlins.

"Does J.D. Martinez bounce back in @Dodgers blue? Let me know! @MLBNetwork" - @ Xavier Scruggs

Scruggs referenced Dodgers stars like Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy and Mookie Betts as catalysts for J.D. Martinez' to up his stats this upcoming season. The Dodgers were the best in baseball last season, with an on-base percentage of.333.

Mookie Betts, who won the World Series with Martinez in 2018, led the MLB in runs scored last year with 117 of them. Scruggs made a valid point that having players who consistently get on base will only boost JD Martinez's ability to drive them in and pad his offensive stats.

J.D. Martinez will look to channel past seasons for his new team

Martinez was one of the MLB's top hitters from 2015 to 2019, hitting .305 with 184 home runs and 509 RBIs. The 2023 season will tell if he was hampered by a sub-par team, or if his past offensive explosiveness is just a memory.