J.D. Martinez, a former designated hitter for the Red Sox, is returning to the East just one week before Opening Day.
According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post on Thursday, the six-time All-Star is expected to sign a one-year, $12 million contract with the New York Mets, subject to a medical. Martinez joins Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor in the Mets lineup, bringing proven bat power to the team after a successful one-season stint with the Dodgers.
Martinez hit.271 last season in Los Angeles, with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs. Even though he had strong results for the team, it was known that his stay with the Dodgers would only be brief as they targeted former free agent Shohei Ohtani.
After a challenging 2022 season with the Red Sox, in which he finished fifth in the AL East with a 78-84-0 record, the 36-year-old left West. Despite his outstanding play earning him another All-Star selection, Martinez’s season-ending totals were only 16 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a.274 batting average.
Joel Sherman of The New York Post reports that the Mets, who have apparently had their eye on Martinez for a while, intend to start the slugger with at-bats in the minor leagues. Sherman claims that Martinez consented to a quick trip in the minors, probably ten days, in order to make up for lost time during spring training.
The Red Sox will visit the Mets for a three-game series in September, although the World Series champion was not able to play his former Boston team last season.
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