All-Star designated hitter J.D. Martinez has signed a one-year deal with the New York Mets. According to reports, Martinez will earn $12 million in base salary in 2024.
The Mets confirmed the move on their social media but didn’t disclose the financial terms of the agreement.
Martinez is coming off a strong campaign in 2023 in which he batted .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs in 113 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He earned his third straight All-Star appearance and sixth overall.
The reason why Martinez lingered on the free agent market for so long, despite still being viewed as a menace on the plate, was his high asking price. According to multiple reports, he initially asked for a salary of around $20 million but found little interest. The San Francisco Giants were the closest to his asking price, offering $14 million in 2024, but he ended up rejecting their offer because he didn’t believe that the team’s Oracle Park is “hitter-friendly.”
The Mets reportedly were initially not interested in Martinez but ended up recognizing the opportunity to add a difference-maker once he lowered his demands.
“J.D. is a veteran Major League player with a proven track record,” Mets’ president of baseball operations David Stearns said in a statement. “His valuable bat will provide protection and extend the lineup. His addition to the club continues our commitment to compete in 2024 and beyond.”
