J.D. Martinez calls idea of banning in-game video a 'joke'

Boston Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez isn't in favor of Major League Baseball limiting access to in-game video, and he sounded off about the proposed idea while speaking to Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated.

"To take our game back 30 years, I think you're not doing it justice,” Martinez said. "I think you're just trying to do yourself a PR stunt."

"It's a joke," he added. "It's gotten so ridiculous."

In response to the Houston Astros' cheating scandal, MLB has reportedly been informing clubs it wants to close video rooms, limit video feeds to replay review monitors only, and prevent non-uniformed team employees from entering clubhouses.

Martinez says the change could affect his career, along with other players who use in-game video the same way he does.

The three-time All-Star, who the Astros released in 2014, said his career only turned around because he began studying video footage and analytics.

Since his 2014 release, Martinez has hit 207 home runs while notching 585 RBIs, and he's only recorded an OPS below .900 once. That production propelled him to a five-year, $110-million contract with the Red Sox in 2018.

"I think what people don't get is there is a new generation that revolves around technology and analytics and seeing their swing," Martinez said. "To me, studying my swing and making changes, that's what makes me who I am. I got released doing it the other way."

Martinez continued, saying that losing in-game video could impact designated hitters like himself the most, as DHs spend chunks of games studying footage while their teammates are playing in the field.

"I'm a DH," he said. "This is going to affect DHs across the board. What the hell are we going to do for three innings when we're sitting there waiting to hit again? That's what we do: watch the game, study our swings, study my teammates' swings."

No final decisions have been made about banning in-game video use, but the league is reportedly working with the MLBPA to finalize the rules before Opening Day.