Mets Still Linked To Six-Time All-Star As Possible Free Agent Upgrade
The New York Mets have some work to do still.
New York has had a quietly solid offseason. The Mets brought in former Milwaukee Brewers executive David Stearns to be the club's president of baseball operations.
Stearns has had a tough task of improving the club after an underwhelming 2023 campaign but has done a good job. The Mets have prioritized bounce-back candidates with high upside on cheaper deals.
New York seems to be in a better spot, but could still use a new designated hitter. The Mets have been linked to six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez and he still is a possibility, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.
"Martinez is the best DH left on the free-agent market," Bowden said. I thought the (Arizona Diamondbacks) were the best fit for him, but they pivoted to Joc Pederson when they weren't able to get close to a deal with Martinez. Last season was the fifth time in his career he drove in 100 or more runs and the fifth time in six years he made an All-Star team.
"The Mets and (Los Angeles Angels) have been linked the most to Martinez of late. But I think the (Miami Marlins), who haven't been active this offseason, should consider getting involved in his market at the buzzer."
Signing Martinez would go a long way for the Mets. He was stellar last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers as he earned his sixth All-Star nod. Martinez appeared in 113 games and clubbed 33 home runs to go along with 103 RBIs.
He doesn't provide any defensive flexibility, but certainly could help the middle of the Mets' order.
