If you have watched any amount of baseball over the last decade, you have seen that 28 across the back of a jersey. Whether it was the classic navy of the Detroit Tigers, the iconic Red Sox home whites, or the Dodger blue, the j. d. martinez number has remained remarkably consistent. It’s kinda rare to see a guy jump between so many high-profile franchises and keep the same digits.
Usually, a veteran arrives in a new clubhouse and finds out some rookie or established bullpen arm already has "their" number. Then comes the negotiation—a Rolex, a few grand, maybe a fancy dinner. But for J.D. Martinez, 28 isn't just a preference. It’s basically part of his brand. Honestly, it’s a bit of a security blanket for one of the most meticulous hitters to ever step into a cage.
The Story Behind the Number 28
You’ve probably noticed that Martinez doesn't just show up and hit. He’s the guy with the iPad. He’s the guy obsessing over launch angles and exit velocity before it was cool. So, it makes sense that he’d be picky about his jersey too. While some players change numbers to signify a "fresh start" or because of a trade, Martinez has clung to 28 through the bulk of his All-Star years.
He didn't actually start with it.
Back when he was a young kid with the Houston Astros, trying to find his way, he wore number 14. He also wore number 19 for a hot minute. It wasn’t until he got to Detroit in 2014—the place where his career literally rose from the ashes—that he settled into 28. That season was a turning point. He went from a guy the Astros released to a guy who hit .315 with 23 homers in just 123 games. When you find that kind of magic, you don't mess with the variables. You keep the swing, and you keep the number.
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Consistency Across Major Franchises
Think about the teams he has played for. The Red Sox. The Dodgers. The Mets. These aren't exactly small-market teams with empty rosters. Yet, everywhere he goes, the j. d. martinez number remains 28.
In Boston, he wore 28 from 2018 to 2022. That’s where he became a legend. He helped them win a World Series in 2018, leading the league with 130 RBIs. When he signed that massive $110 million contract, the number 28 became synonymous with "The Flaco" and his ability to drive the ball into the Monster Seats.
Then came the move to Los Angeles. The Dodgers are a team of stars, but again, 28 was waiting for him. He hit 33 home runs in 2023 wearing that jersey. When he moved to the Mets in 2024 on that one-year deal, he didn't blink. He took 28 again. Even as a free agent heading into 2026, scouts and fans alike expect him to request those same digits wherever he lands. It’s sort of his signature.
A Quick Look at J.D.'s Jersey History
- Houston Astros (2011–2013): Wore 14 and 19. This was the "before" times.
- Detroit Tigers (2014–2017): Switched to 28. The breakout began.
- Arizona Diamondbacks (2017): Kept 28 during that insane 29-homer stretch in just 62 games.
- Boston Red Sox (2018–2022): Solidified 28 as a championship number.
- Los Angeles Dodgers (2023): Continued the 28 legacy in the NL.
- New York Mets (2024): Wore 28 while acting as the veteran presence in Queens.
Why 28 Matters in the Hitting Lab
J.D. is famous for being a "hitting nerd." He’s the guy who revamped his entire swing after watching video of Ryan Braun and Miguel Cabrera. For a guy who cares about the specific millisecond his hands move through the zone, the weight and feel of his jersey matter.
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There’s a psychological element here. Baseball is a game of superstitions. If you’re hitting .300 with a certain pair of socks, you wear those socks until they rot. For J.D., the number 28 represents the "new version" of himself—the version that fixed his swing in 2014 and became a six-time All-Star.
It’s also about respect. When a player of his caliber joins a team, the clubhouse usually clears the way for their preferred number. It's a nod to his 300+ career home runs and 1,000+ RBIs. You don't tell a guy with three Silver Sluggers that he has to wear number 64.
What's Next for the Slugger in 2026?
As of early 2026, the baseball world is watching where the veteran DH will end up. There have been rumors about the Texas Rangers making a move. If he heads to Arlington, you can bet your last dollar he'll be checking the roster for who currently owns 28. (Currently, that’s Josh Borden in the minors, so it shouldn't be a problem).
His production did take a bit of a dip with the Mets—hitting .235 isn't exactly the "Just Dingers" standard we're used to. But he’s 38 now. The value he brings isn't just the exit velocity; it’s the way he teaches younger hitters how to prepare. He’s basically a hitting coach who still takes swings.
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Whether he signs a one-year "prove it" deal or a minor league invite, that jersey will likely feature those familiar digits. It’s a career built on adjustments, but the j. d. martinez number is the one thing that stays the same.
If you’re looking to track his 2026 season, keep an eye on the transaction wires. Most analysts expect a deal to go down before Spring Training wraps up. Once he signs, the first thing fans will look for isn't the contract length—it's whether the new team has already updated their shop with a fresh batch of #28 jerseys.
Check the official MLB shop or team rosters once the season starts to confirm his final landing spot. If you're a jersey collector, it's a safe bet to wait until the ink is dry, but history says he’s sticking with 28.