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Former Dodgers Slugger 'Likes' Idea of Playing For NL East Squad

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Dodgers
By Ricardo Sandoval | Last updated 3/17/24

The rumors are heating up regarding former Dodgers' All-Star slugger J.D. Martinez . Martinez remains unsigned at this point in the offseason, but he has been linked to a few teams this winter. That includes the New York Mets.

This weekend, The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that those feelings are mutual. Heyman reported that Martinez 'likes' the idea of playing in the Big Apple this season.

"I have heard JD Martinez likes the idea of the Mets"

^{—Jon Heyman, via New York Post Sports}

"I have heard JD Martinez likes the idea of the Mets"@JonHeyman gives the latest on the Mets talks with free agent slugger J.D. Martinez
On a new episode of Around the Bases ➡️ https://t.co/5UZ2lB7K3q pic.twitter.com/icZ63tCbWp
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 16, 2024

It's a real possibility he could end up with the Mets just as we approach a week until the start of the major league season.

The six-time All-Star is coming off a remarkable season with the Boys in Blue. He earned his three consecutive All-Star appearances after putting up monster numbers in one year as a Dodger.

Martinez recorded his best slugging percentage of .572 since 2018 and his best OPS of .893 since 2019.

The Dodgers do not need Martinez, so a move is the only obvious choice. He could help out the Mets and take their offense to new heights.

He would serve as their everyday designated hitter, and the Mets desperately need that after their designated hitter carousel last season. Nobody was able to establish themselves as the permanent player in that spot, putting up mediocre numbers.

The three-time silver slugger would provide reliability and a power bat at that position. It seems like a good hit, and we'll see if he could land in New York sometime this week.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Dodgers and was syndicated with permission.

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