J.D. Martinez has found a new team, reaching a $12 million deal with the New York Mets for one year, as confirmed by a source familiar with the agreement on Thursday. The agreement is subject to a physical exam, and the New York Post was the first to report the news.
Under the terms, Martinez will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus, $2 million for this year, and $7.5 million deferred payments, scheduled in $1.5 million increments annually from 2034 to 2038.
Despite being limited by back and groin issues, Martinez had a strong performance last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, batting .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs in just 113 games. His signing comes after a productive one-year, $10 million contract with the Dodgers.
The 36-year-old outfielder was among the top remaining free agents. Another player, left-hander Jordan Montgomery, who is represented by Scott Boras, is still seeking a team as spring training concludes.
Martinez is expected to bolster the Mets’ lineup alongside Pete Alonso, providing additional power hitting.
With President of Baseball Operations David Stearns previously emphasizing opportunities for young players like Mark Vientos and Brett Baty, Martinez’s arrival shifts Vientos into a backup role, potentially sharing time with Baty, especially against left-handed pitchers.
While Martinez has primarily served as a designated hitter (DH) in recent seasons, he has proven his offensive capabilities. Last year, he contributed to the Dodgers’ record of four players with 100 RBIs alongside Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Max Muncy.
Martinez’s 33 home runs in the previous season were his highest since 2019, and his OPS of .893 was also his best since that year.
Starting his career with the Houston Astros, Martinez flourished after joining the Detroit Tigers in 2014. He achieved a career-high 45 home runs in 2017 with Detroit and Arizona Diamondbacks, followed by 43 home runs the following year with the Boston Red Sox when they won the World Series.
