After a recent report that suggested the New York Mets were unlikely to add an impact bat in free agency, it seems the team is still in the running for several notable players, including six-time All-Star JD Martinez.
Over the last month, the New York Mets have been very active on the MLB free-agent market, yet they haven’t had that marquee signing fans have become accustomed to. Nevertheless, the additions of starting pitchers Luis Severino and Sean Manea, and outfielder Harrison Bader addressed the needs they had heading into the winter.
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However, there are still two positions the organization has yet to improve and that is the bullpen and designated hitter spot. For a team that has the richest owner in the sport, filling those holes with solid additions seemed like a lock but a recent report suggested team president David Stearns was working on a $10 million budget for the rest of the offseason. And that would rule out the addition of an impact bat.
The news disappointed many Mets fans hoping for an upgrade at DH and more pop in the lineup, alongside slugger Pete Alonso. Well, a pair of new reports give some hope that the organization may still add some thump to the order after all.
New York Mets are still in the race for JD Martinez
First, SNY New York Mets insider Andy Martino reported Friday that the team “remains interested in adding a serious bat to a still-incomplete lineup,” and the news follows a previous report from Martino that claimed if they did make a “splash” this winter, it would be for a new DH.
- JD Martinez stats (2023): .271 AVG, .321 SLG, .572 OBP, 33 HR, 103 RBI, 61 R
On Thursday, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman claimed the hitting market — featuring Jorge Soler, JD Martinez, Justin Turner, and Rhys Hoskins — is starting to heat up and the Mets are among the teams in pursuit of one of those players.
Heyman also added that “Martinez would be an ideal” fit. The organization has been linked to Martinez for weeks.
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The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers veteran earned All-Star honors for the sixth time in 2023. Despite turning 36 last season, Martinez slugged 33 home runs and knocked in 103 RBIs in just 113 games. That’s why the DH specialist seems like a perfect fit for the Mets in 2024 after getting little production from the position last season.