Angels Power-Hitting Free Agent Target 'Likes' Idea of Playing For New York Mets

Prolific slugger JD Martinez is the best bat still out on the free-agent market.

Once the Los Angeles Dodgers inked Shohei Ohtani to a transcendent $700 million-dollar deal, Martinez became expendable.

It's not as if the 36-year-old is washed up by any means. On the contrary -- he made the National League All-Star team last year after hitting .271 with 33 HRs and 103 RBIs.

You'd think he'd have a robust market. A professional hitter in the truest sense of the team, Martinez has produced constantly throughout his career in both leagues.

Ron Washington's first order of business when taking over as the manager of the Angels was to institute his own culture within the ballclub. In short, adding professionalism and a workmanlike approach. These tenants coincide with Martinez perfectly.

Martinez approaches the art of hitting as if it were a science. He's constantly tinkering and adjusting when at the plate/working to perfect his swing behind the scenes.

This sort of example would be highly beneficial for all of the young players on the Halos' roster. Well, even though the Angels have been publicly associated with Martinez, another team may be sprinting out as the prohibitive favorite for his services.

According to Jon Heyman, Martinez might have his eyes set on the New York Mets. In need of some pop and veteran leadership themselves, Martinez likely would walk into the everyday designated hitter role in the Big Apple.

"I have heard JD Martinez likes the idea of the Mets"@JonHeyman gives the latest on the Mets talks with free agent slugger J.D. Martinez
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— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) March 16, 2024

There seem to be plenty of reasons why the Angels should sign Martinez. Even if it's a short-term deal, L.A. could flip Martinez to a contender before the trade deadline for some sort of asset.

With that said a possible agreement between Martinez and the Angels is still far from certain at this given time.