The New York Mets are reportedly still in discussions with All-Star designated hitter JD Martinez, but a deal getting done isn’t likely because the organization reportedly never intended to invest much money in improving the DH spot for 2024.
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 has been fiscally conservative this winter for various reasons. Nevertheless, fans are still hoping the team makes one major move before the start of spring training.
One player that has been at the center of speculation is All-Star JD Martinez. The Mets got little from the DH spot last season and Martinez would seem like a great addition to the lineup and position. However, while a new report revealed the team is still talking to the 36-year-old’s representatives, a deal seems like a long shot.
New York Mets have ‘never been in the market for a full-time DH this offseason’
New York Post MLB insider Mike Puma reported earlier this week that “There’s been dialogue between JD Martinez’s camp and the Mets” recently. However, SNY Mets reporter Andy Martino claimed on Thursday that talks “have not yet brought them anywhere near that sweet spot, according to multiple league sources.”
The most frustrating part of Martino’s report is that the organization has never been in the market for a full-time DH this offseason, based on the current going rates for impact players at the position thus far. Rhys Hoskins landed a two-year, $34 million deal from the Milwaukee Brewers this winter despite not even playing last season. Martinez is expected to get much more.
A recent report claimed the organization is keeping $10-$15 million free for potential trades before the MLB trade deadline this summer. Martino claims a deal with Martinez would only come if the organization changes its stance on the money they want to invest in the position or if the six-time All-Star drops his asking price significantly.
The team got little from a DH platoon of Daniel Vogelbach, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos last season.