Why veteran slugger is perfect match for Mets

Now that Jorge Soler has signed with the Giants, J.D. Martinez is the best power bat still available.

Martinez had a resurgent showing in his one year with the Dodgers. He posted a .271/.321/.572 batting line in his 479 plate appearances, hitting 33 homers and 27 doubles while driving in 103 runs. He reached the 30-homer and 100-RBI marks for the first time since 2019, showing that he still has plenty of thunder left in his bat. The problem is that Martinez is strictly a designated hitter, potentially limiting his options as teams look to internal candidates.

The Mets are one such team. At this point, they are expected to remain in-house for the DH spot. Will Sammon of The Athletic reported at the beginning of February that the Mets plan to use the likes of Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, DJ Stewart, and Starling Marte in that role. Marte is looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2023 season. Neither Vientos nor Baty have proven they can perform at the major-league level. Stewart has had flashes but needs to prove himself as well.

It is not a surprise that the Mets have kept in contact with Martinez. Andy Martino of SNY reported that while the two sides are in touch, there is a significant financial gap. However, as Martino pointed out, a splurge is always possible with Steve Cohen.

Martinez would also fit the Mets' modus operandi this offseason. They have been busy shoring up the roster, signing the likes of Harrison Bader, Adam Ottavino, and Luis Severino. Every single player the Mets have signed has either been to a one-year deal or a minor-league contract. Martinez would likely command a one-year contract as well, clearing room for when the Mets look to compete again in 2025.

He could potentially help that future as well. While the Mets are viewing 2024 as a bridge year, they are not entirely punting on the season either. Martinez would help boost the lineup in their quest for a postseason berth. Should the Mets falter, he could bring in a solid piece for the coming years. 

J.D. Martinez is a perfect match for the New York Mets. It is just a matter of making the money work.