FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sacramento Athletics Announce Signing of Third Baseman Alonso Martinez
Sacramento, CA – The Sacramento Athletics are thrilled to announce the signing of superstar third baseman Alonso Martinez to a six-year, $141 million contract with an opt-out after the 2028 season. Martinez, a former MVP, World Series Champion, and Triple Crown winner, brings an elite pedigree to the Athletics as the team looks to make an immediate impact in the AL West.
Martinez, 30, has enjoyed a remarkable career to date, highlighted by:
• Winning the 2023 MVP Award after a dominant season with the Colorado Rockies, where he hit .328 with 43 home runs and 137 RBIs.
• Leading the Rockies to a World Series Championship in 2023, delivering clutch performances on baseball’s biggest stage.
• Capturing the rare Triple Crown during that historic 2023 campaign.
• A career stat line that includes 193 home runs, a .277 batting average, and an .818 OPS over eight MLB Pro seasons.
• Three All-Star appearances and a Silver Slugger Award.
“Alonso Martinez is one of the premier talents in baseball, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to Sacramento,” said Athletics owner Carlos Salazar. “This signing is a testament to our commitment to building a championship-caliber team. Alonso’s leadership, experience, and talent will energize our organization, our fanbase, and this great city.”
Athletics General Manager Scott Gesseford echoed those sentiments: “Alonso is a proven winner. He’s a difference-maker on both sides of the ball—a power bat who can carry a lineup and a reliable defender at third base. We believe his presence in the middle of our order and his championship mindset will elevate everyone around him. This is the start of something special in Sacramento.”
Martinez is expected to play a pivotal role in stabilizing the Athletics’ infield and adding significant power to the lineup. With his addition, the A’s plan to shift Brandon Gill to either first base or an outfield role, creating a stronger defensive alignment while maintaining offensive firepower.
For manager Marquis Grissom, the opportunity to pencil Martinez’s name into the lineup every day is a game-changer. “Alonso is the kind of player you build around. He’s got the power, the work ethic, and the experience to lead this team on and off the field. I can’t wait to see the impact he has on guys like Gregg Faustini, CJ Abrams, and Brandon Gill. He’s going to make everyone better.”
Martinez spoke about his decision to join Sacramento, citing the team’s vision and the excitement of playing in a growing baseball city.
“Sacramento felt like the perfect fit for me,” said Alonso Martinez. “From my first conversations with the front office, I could feel their passion for winning. I love what this organization is building, and I want to be part of taking this team to the next level. The energy in Sacramento is real, and I can’t wait to get on the field and contribute to something special.”
Martinez added, “I’ve been fortunate to win a World Series and experience incredible highs in my career, and I want to bring that same success to Sacramento. The chance to play for Marquis Grissom, alongside talented players like Faustini, Abrams, and Gill, made this decision an easy one. I’m ready to get to work.”
The Sacramento Athletics are excited to welcome Alonso Martinez and his family to the organization and look forward to a bright future ahead.
For more information, contact:
Sacramento Athletics Communications
Email: media@sacramentoathletics.mlbpro.com
About the Sacramento Athletics:
The Sacramento Athletics are committed to bringing championship-level baseball to the city of Sacramento. With a focus on player development, fan engagement, and a winning culture, the A’s are building for sustained success in the AL West.
From MLB Pro Network’s Winter Meetings Coverage:
Greg Amsinger: Welcome back to MLB Network’s coverage of the MLB Pro Winter Meetings! Day 1 brought some serious fireworks, folks. Alonso Martinez, former World Series MVP and two-time All-Star, is heading to Sacramento! The A’s, a team that hasn’t traditionally been a big spender, stunned the league by inking Martinez to a six-year, $141 million deal with an opt-out after 2028. Harold, let’s start with you—what’s your initial reaction to this blockbuster move?
Harold Reynolds: Greg, this is huge. For Sacramento to make a statement like this, it shows they’re ready to compete. Martinez gives them a legitimate middle-of-the-order bat and an upgrade at third base defensively. The A’s were already intriguing, but this signals they’re tired of being overlooked in a brutal division. Martinez had a down year in Tampa Bay last season, sure—.233 average, 30 homers, 86 RBIs—but let’s not forget what he did in Colorado in 2023. That MVP season? Incredible. He carried that team to a title. Sacramento sees that guy and believes he can be that difference-maker again.
Greg Amsinger: And that’s the question, Harold. Can Martinez find that MVP form again? Anonymous GM, you’ve been around teams like the A’s. How do you see this move playing out for a smaller-market club?
Anonymous GM: Well, Greg, I love the ambition here. Sacramento isn’t typically a team you see at the top of the free-agent market, but they’re making a bold bet. Martinez isn’t just a bat; he’s a guy with championship pedigree, and the A’s believe he can elevate their lineup and clubhouse. Now, the risks are obvious—$141 million is a significant investment, and Martinez is coming off a below-average season in terms of OPS and WAR. But look, this guy is just 30. He’s got plenty of prime years left. Marquis Grissom is going to love penciling him into the lineup every day.
Harold Reynolds: Let’s talk about that lineup, Greg. Adding Martinez shakes things up in a good way. I think it really helps Brandon Gill, who now has less defensive responsibility. Sliding Gill to first base or even to the outfield makes the A’s better overall. And don’t overlook the effect on Gregg Faustini, their table-setter. Martinez protects those guys in the order, and Faustini could have an even bigger year now with pitchers worrying about Alonso behind him.
Greg Amsinger: That’s a great point, Harold. Faustini was terrific last year, hitting .279 with 50 stolen bases. With Martinez hitting third, you’re giving Faustini and CJ Abrams more chances to run and create havoc on the basepaths. It feels like a lineup built for both speed and power now.
Anonymous GM: Exactly. But here’s the challenge: Sacramento’s division is loaded. Locking up this kind of money in Martinez limits the A’s flexibility. And you have to think about the future—Faustini hits free agency after 2027, Gill after 2028. Can they afford to keep all three long-term? That’s where this deal could come back to bite them.
Harold Reynolds: True, but let’s focus on 2025 for a second. This signing sends a message to the fans in Sacramento. Year 1 in a new city, you want buzz, you want to make a splash. Alonso Martinez does that. And defensively, the A’s were middle of the pack last year. Martinez at third is a game-changer there, especially with the range and speed they already have in Faustini and Abrams.
Greg Amsinger: Speaking of the fans, Harold, what do you think this means for Sacramento as a baseball city? Is this a turning point for the A’s in their new home?
Harold Reynolds: It could be, Greg. Sacramento wants to be seen as a major player, and this move shows they’re serious. They’re not just building for the future; they want to win now. Fans love a team that’s willing to invest in stars, and Martinez is a guy you can rally behind.
Anonymous GM: But let’s be realistic. Sacramento still has questions in the lineup—look at the bottom third. Garrett Mitchell and C.J. Verdell struggled last year. You’re banking on Martinez to carry a lot of weight offensively. If he doesn’t rebound, this could turn into a very expensive misstep.
Greg Amsinger: High risk, high reward—that’s the theme here. Alonso Martinez gives the A’s star power and credibility, but they’re going all-in in a division full of heavyweights. Day 1 of the Winter Meetings is off to a roaring start, and Sacramento is officially on the map. Coming up next, we’ll dive into the ripple effects of this signing on the AL West race. Stay with us!