The New York Mets have made headlines again by securing a deal with J.D. Martinez, one of the biggest offensive powerhouses on the market. The deal is said to be worth a whopping $12 million and is set for a year, subject to a physical examination. This news was first broken by Jon Heyman from The Post.
According to a reliable industry insider, the agreement stipulates that Martinez will be receiving $4.5 million this season. The remaining sum will be deferred, which allows the Mets to lessen their luxury-tax hit from this signing.
“Martinez will receive $1.5 million in deferrals each year from 2034-38.”
This financial maneuvering is smart, enabling the Mets to acquire a top player while minimizing immediate fiscal impact.
Interestingly, Martinez, now 36, declined a more lucrative offer from the Giants worth $15 million. His hesitations were largely due to the notorious reputation of the pitcher-friendly home ballpark in San Francisco.
The acquisition of Martinez will no doubt bring more depth to the Mets’ lineup. As a full-time designated hitter (DH), his stats from the last season for the Dodgers speak volumes of his capabilities—a .271/.321/.572 slash line with 33 homers and 103 RBIs in 113 games.
The addition of Martinez to the Mets will have a significant impact on Mark Vientos, who was expected to take a large chunk of the team’s DH at-bats. However, the Mets might consider carrying both players on the roster. Vientos could also get occasional rounds at the third base and off the bench.
- Martinez – Primary DH, increased depth in the lineup
- Vientos – Occasional DH, third base, and bench
But there is another possibility that Vientos might return to Triple-A Syracuse to receive regular at-bats. The organization is committed to giving young players like Brett Baty and Vientos a chance.