Red Sox World Series Champ, Mets reportedly agree to one-year, $12 million deal
Designated hitter J.D. Martinez returns to the East following a successful single season with the Dodgers.
Just a week out from Opening Day, former Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez is making his return to the East.
The six-time All-Star is set to sign a one-year, $12 million deal with the New York Mets pending a physical, The New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported Thursday. Following a successful single season with the Dodgers, Martinez adds proven bat power to the Mets’ lineup alongside Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor.
Last season in Los Angeles, Martinez batted .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs. Despite posting solid numbers for the team, his tenure with the Dodgers was understood to be temporary while they pursued former free agent Shohei Ohtani.
The 36-year-old’s time out West followed a difficult 2022 season with the Red Sox, slotting in at fifth in the AL East with a 78-84-0 record. While Martinez earned another All-Star title for his performance, he finished the season with just 16 home runs, 62 RBIs and a .274 batting average.
The Mets, who have reportedly long had their eye on Martinez, plan to start the slugger with minor league at-bats, according to The New York Post’s Joel Sherman. According to Sherman, Martinez agreed to a short stint, likely 10 days, in the minors to make up for lost time during spring training.
The World Series Champ didn’t get the chance to face off against his former Boston team last season, however the Mets are set to host the Red Sox for a three-game series in September.
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