It seems that one of the New York Mets’ top players played a pivotal role in helping the team land slugger JD Martinez this week.
On Wednesday, the Mets finally made the type of splash that fans had been waiting months for when they came to terms on a one-year deal with six-time All-Star JD Martinez. The organization had made a few notable moves before the start of the season and this addition helped fill a major hole at the designated hitter spot.
- Pete Alonso stats (2023): .217 AVG, .318 OBP, .504 SLG,46 HR,118 RBI, 92 R
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Martinez surprisingly stayed on the free agent market far longer than many expected and he seemed to avoid overtures from various teams while continuing discussions with New York in recent weeks. It seemed like he wanted to play for the Mets in 2024 and we now know why.
During his introductory press conference on Saturday afternoon, Martinez revealed that fellow slugger Pete Alonso played a key role in his interest in being a Met this year.
“Pete was very adamant about getting me over here and reaching out. We have the same agency. He was kind of like, ‘Come over here.’ And I was like ‘Dude, I’d love to.’ He, I would say, was very forward with making it known to them that he wanted me here,” Martinez said.
When Will JD Martinez make his New York Mets debut?
The Mets are expected to option JD Martinez to their farm system to begin the season, and that means a minimum 10-day stay on the farm. New manager Carlos Mendoza also said he will not rush the 36-year-old to the big league roster.
- JD Martinez stats (2023): .271 AVG, .321 OBP, .572 SLG, 33 HR, 103 RBI, 61 R
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It likely means that it will be two weeks into the 2024 season before he makes his debut with the organization. Opening Day is on March 28.