Mets Reportedly Talking To J.D. Martinez, Interested in Davis Reunion
Updated Post, 5:49 p.m., 3/12/24
In addition to J.D. Martinez, the Mets have interest in J.D. Davis, according to Jon Heyman. Davis was released by the Giants after being squeezed out of a roster spot after the team signed Matt Chapman.
In a follow up report by Andy Martino, he said the Mets see Davis as more of a fit because of his ability to play the field (and his likely cheaper price).
Read our crossfire debating whether the Mets should reunite with J.D. Davis.
Original Post, 3/12/24
The Mets are among teams talking to J.D. Martinez, per a Tuesday report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
It’s worth noting that this is the third time a similar development has been reported between the Mets and Martinez this offseason, and nothing came of it either of the first two times. The difference this time around, though, is that the season is quickly approaching. It’s already nearing the midpoint of March, and spring training is well underway. It would be in Martinez’s best interests to find a team sooner rather than later to be ready for Opening Day.
As Heyman noted, the Mets would have to pay a 110% tax on any new deals because they’re above the fourth-tier threshold. Mets owner Steve Cohen has granted permission to the front office to pursue Martinez anyway, Heyman reported in his article.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Martinez would fill a hole and provide some reliability to a lineup that needs it. The Mets were unable to add an external DH before spring training, most notably missing out on old friend Justin Turner. The way the lineup currently stands, their DH is likely some combination of Mark Vientos and DJ Stewart. Vientos is young enough that he still has potential, but he’s yet to fully prove himself in the major leagues. And Stewart had a breakout season last year, but there’s no guarantee he can keep up that level of production.
Martinez, meanwhile, had an .893 OPS with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs last year for the Dodgers. Besides the shortened 2020 season, he hasn’t posted an OPS below .790 since 2013. He’s 36 years old, but he still recorded his fifth-highest career home run total last year. He’s been named an All-Star each of the last three seasons. He would slot in nicely in the middle of the order, lengthening a core that already includes Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo.
Heyman added that the Mets’ interest in Martinez is mutual, but that he and the Angels also have interest in each other. The Angels are a logical fit considering the gap in their lineup left by Shohei Ohtani. Martinez has reportedly declined at least one offer, so his apparent willingness to join the Mets is an encouraging sign. Other unnamed teams remain involved in discussions as well. So there’s no guarantee this will come to fruition. But if it does, it would be a nice boost to the Mets’ offense just a couple weeks before Opening Day.
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