Who's Better--J.D. Martinez Or Giancarlo Stanton?

J.D. Martinez. (Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Red Sox are 25-and-9--one game in front of the surging Yankees for the best record in baseball.

But, as the East rivals prepare to start a three-game series in the Bronx tonight at 7:05 p.m., there's one sub-plot fans will be watching all year and in the seasons to come.

That's right--who's better, J.D. Martinez or Giancarlo Stanton?

Historically, Stanton. By popular opinion, Stanton.

Numerically? It's early May, but that's Martinez.

MLB-Leading Red Sox And Yankees Start Pivotal Stretch In Bronx

The Yankees were once 9-and-9, but they've won 15 of 16 since to climb within one game of the 25-and-9, baseball-leading Red Sox.

Average--.349 versus .227.

Slugging percentage--.619 versus .455.

Homers--8 to 7.

RBI--27 to 19.

Martinez has Stanton beat in on-base percentage and doubles, too.

It's a long year, but so far it appears Boston's made a very smart investment.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports.