9/16/24

Open Thread – JD Martinez


JD Martinez is slashing .248/.330/.430 this year with an OPS of .760.  This is his 14th year in the majors, and he has a lifetime (reg season) slash line of .284/.348/.518 for an OPS of .866.  He was a steal on a one year, $12M deal this year that was signed just before the season started.  Many thought he would go earlier on a multi-year deal but apparently many GMs were worried about his age (37 years) and was left unsigned until the Mets took a chance.


Although his performance this year is well below his career averages, JD has brought more than just a bat to the team.  He has shared his hitting knowledge and keen eye for the game with many of the Mets players, which has ultimately led to improvement across the lineup.

JD has no options and the team has no options – he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this baseball season.  With the Mets taking their next step in 2025 towards building a championship caliber roster, the question is, should David Stearns try to re-sign Martinez for another year of tutoring and part-time DH?


8 comments:

Tom Brennan said...

All decisions are to be made after the season. But JD stats are well down from 2023, and he will be "baseball old" next year. I would consider all available options.

Mack Ade said...

I would

Plus he's like having a second batting coach on the bench

Offer him 10mil

TexasGusCC said...

The goal is to win a championship. If you are ever going to achieve that, you first need to learn what players can help. Acuna may have the baseball IQ according to reports, but does he have the tools? Gilbert, Mauricio… can Baty be salvaged? What about the pitchers? Orze, Tidwell, McLoughlin, Vasil, Hamel…. All these questions need answering at some point. You can’t hit a homerun if you keep bunting. The Mets need to take a big swing with their kids, to see what they have.

Mack Ade said...

Ok... so...

Let's say Lindor and Mauricio are healthy in camp and Acuna stays in Queens

It will be too early for Gilbert

Now what?

Rds 900. said...

Offer JD $10M to sign with another team.

Viper said...

I think the DH position has to be saved for Starlin Marte to help him stay healthy for his last year. Acuna hits the ball like a girl, looks like a utility player / trade bait.
McNeil plays RF and 2B or 3B goes to Mauricio.

Tom Brennan said...

Viper, your assessment feels about right.

TexasGusCC said...

Mack, you need to have room.