J.D. Martinez filled an important role as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ everyday designated hitter in 2023, but with the signing of Shohei Ohtani, there’s no longer room for the veteran slugger on the roster.
Martinez is still among the many quality free agents on the market and should be in line for a solid contract after re-establishing his value with the Dodgers.
The 36-year-old has drawn interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks so far.
The Blue Jays and Diamondbacks have both filled their needs for a DH since showing interest in Martinez, signing Justin Turner and Joc Pederson, respectively.
But according to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets have remained in contact with Martinez with the hopes of signing him to a contract:
There’s been dialogue between J.D. Martinez’s camp and the Mets as spring training approaches. Proven offensive pieces are still available in a buyer’s market. If price is right, just maybe the Mets will bite.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 7, 2024
Martinez was named to the 2023 National League All-Star team as the starting DH. Overall, he had a terrific season with the Dodgers and finished the year batting .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs, 103 RBI, 61 runs scored and a 135 wRC+.
Martinez eclipsed 30 home runs and 100 RBI for the first time since 2019, and he was part of Dodgers having four players to drive in at least 100 runs last season. The group was led by Betts (107 RBI) and included Max Muncy (105), Martinez (103) and Freeman (102).
However, Martinez also dealt with a nagging groin/adductor issue that kept him out of the Dodgers lineup for multiple games before an eventual stint on the 10-day injured list. The veteran slugger also missed time from late April into May because of lower back tightness.
J.D. Martinez among remaining Dodgers free agents
As the Dodgers enter Spring Training, they still have numerous free agents. Along with Martinez, Kiké Hernández, Julio Urías, Amed Rosario, David Peralta, Kolten Wong, Jimmy Nelson and Alex Reyes remain unsigned.
Ryan Brasier and Clayton Kershaw are techinically part of that group as well, but both have reported contracts with the Dodgers that are pending physicals and their addition to the 40-man roster.
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