The Mets are bringing in another star. J.D. Martinez and the New York Mets have finalized their deal, making Martinez a Met for one year on a $12M contract. Martinez is coming off a one-year, $10 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last season, Martinez had 117 hits, 33 home runs and 103 RBI. The 36-year-old is a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner and was named an All-Star for the sixth time in his career last season.
Martinez reportedly declined a $15M offer from the San Francisco Giants. Instead, they turned to Jorge Soler. The Los Angeles Angels and Mets both offered Martienz a “too low for his liking” deal according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. On the Angels, his role would have been to fill the void of departing superstar Shohei Ohtani, to the best anyone could.
As per the Mets, had they not signed Martinez, their DH spot would have been a platoon between Mark Vientos, Starling Marte, and DJ Stewart. Martinez was the final piece this lineup needed to boost their offense.
Martinez’s contract comes with significant deferrals. With Martinez making a $4.5M salary in 2024, the remaining $7.5M will be deferred until 2034-38 ($1.5M annually).
During spring training it seemed the Mets had no problems putting their trust in the kids, until Martinez fell right in their ballpark a week before opening day.
Signing Martinez on just a one-year deal gives the Mets a lot of flexibility going into the 2025 season. This steal of a deal gives the Mets executives the freedom to determine their DH situation, with Pete Alonso becoming a free agent, and allows them to take another look at how their farm has developed.
Not only does Martinez bring benefits to the 25’ Mets but he brings the most protection Pete Alonso has ever had in his 5 years in a Mets uniform.
The Metropolitans have struggled with their DH position since the universal DH rule was put into place in 2021. Daniel Vogelbach was the best they have had thus far, yet he still left them completely vulnerable to left-handed pitching.
Due to him signing just a week before opening day, the Mets had decided to option him down to Triple-A to complete his hitting progression. A back issue has also delayed his team debut. Once Martinez is back up in the big leagues from Triple-A, he will be just what this team needs to ignite their offense.
