The New York Mets have needed to add some power to their lineup all winter. Thanks to a slow-moving free-agent market and the patience of president of baseball operations David Stearns, it might happen on their terms.
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Veteran slugger J.D. Martinez has been on the open market since the conclusion of his one-year, $10 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the 2023 season. After a rough 2022 with the Boston Red Sox, he re-established himself as one of the game's better power hitters at designated hitter. In just 479 plate appearances, Martinez slugged 33 homers with 103 RBI, which led to a .893 OPS and 134 OPS+.
At the start of free agency, MLB Trade Rumors predicted the Scott Boras client would land a two-year, $40 million guarantee. That obviously hasn't happened yet, and the Mets could be ready to take advantage. New York's current plan is to use internal options at DH in 2024. Infielder Mark Vientos would be in line to get the majority of at-bats, per Will Sammon of The Athletic.
Sammon also said the Mets wouldn't be seriously interested in making another external addition unless the price for hitters like Martinez and Jorge Soler dropped dramatically. However, they wouldn't close the door on any opportunities that could make the club better. The New York Post's Mike Puma reported on February 6 that the Mets and Martinez are still in touch as spring training is on the verge of starting.
There’s been dialogue between J.D. Martinez’s camp and the Mets as spring training approaches. Proven offensive pieces are still available in a buyer’s market. If price is right, just maybe the Mets will bite.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 7, 2024
What kind of price would Stearns and Co. be looking for to take the plunge with a proven power bat like Martinez? Based on what they've done this winter, it'd likely have to be on a one-year deal. The only multi-year major-league contract handed out by the Mets this winter was to starting pitcher Sean Manaea for two years and $28 million. The second year is a player option.
New York has been disciplined in its approach all winter to thread the needle of rebuilding this roster while trying to keep playing time available for young players like Vientos to prove themselves. We'll see if they eventually give into temptation or not in the coming weeks.
