Dodgers News: NL East Squad Seen as 'Ideal' Destination for J.D. Martinez
With the Dodgers signing two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to his record-setting contract, the team no longer needs designated hitter J.D. Martinez. The front office reportedly had interest in bringing Martinez back if they missed out on signing Ohtani.
The veteran slugger will now be looking for a new home next season, and he is expected to receive a multi-year contract. He signed with L.A. in December 2022 for only $10 million, with the hope of boosting his value around the league. The plan worked.
Martinez's market has been a little slow so far, but other top free agents have been holding the market up. The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported the Los Angeles Angels and New York Mets were 'eying' Martinez, so he might sign sooner rather than later.
MLB writer Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report picked the Mets as the ideal landing spot for Martinez this winter. New York has been looking to make an impact in their lineup. Martinez, 36, would certainly do that.
"Landing Spot: New York Mets, Contract: Two years, $30 million"
Martinez was extremely productive this past season with the Dodgers, and he would give the Mets a power bat in the middle of their lineup. Last season with the Dodgers, Martinez hit .271 with 33 home runs and 103 over 113 games played.
"Beneath those surface-level numbers, he ranked among the MLB leaders in average exit velocity (98th percentile), hard-hit rate (98th percentile) and expected slugging (96th percentile), making it easier to believe he can replicate his 2023 production."
Lining him up alongside Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor would be a scary combination for opponents. It makes sense why New York has an interest. He would bring experience to the table and has plenty of postseason success with him.
Depending on the length of the contract, Martinez could be a steal if the Mets can get him for around $15 million a year. He completely bounced back from a down year in Boston, and will be looking to pick up where he left off in 2024.
