While it is still unlikely, one prominent MLB insider still believes the New York Mets are among the three teams expected to sign slugger JD Martinez before the 2024 season kicks off in a few weeks.
The Mets were quite active this winter. Unfortunately for fans of the team, the signings of Jake Diekman, Harrison Bader, Luis Severino, and Sean Manaea have not sent chills of excitement down their spines. Despite having the richest owner in baseball, the organization was bargain shopping this offseason as they looked to pay off the money still owed to former aces Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
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All indications are that they don’t intend to make any other notable additions before the season begins at the end of the month. Even with a clear need in the starting rotation following Kodai Senga’s shoulder injury. However, that has not stopped those around the league from speculating that the team could add to their $290 million payroll for 2024.
JD Martinez stats (2023): .271 AVG, .321 OBP, .572 SLG, 33 HR, 103 RBI, 61 R
The latest suggestion comes from New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman who gave an update on the situation with the last star hitter left in free agency, JD Martinez.
“I’m seeing three teams potentially in the mix right now which would be the [Los Angeles Angels] who are debating right now whether to go for a full-time DH who is a proven, established hitter or use it to move pieces around and have [Anthony Rendon] and other guys use that spot,” Heyman said [h/t SI.com]. “So Angels are a possibility and the [Texas Rangers].
“… Texas lost Mitch Garver and obviously could use a DH. And the Mets. They need somebody to bat behind [Pete Alonso]. He’s been hitting 40-plus home runs kind of on his own there.”
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Martinez would be an impact addition to the lineup, especially since the designated hitter spot is a very weak spot for the team heading into the season. The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers veteran will be 37 in August but he was an All-Star the last three seasons and hit over 40 home runs in two of those years.