The New York Mets signed outfielder and designated hitter J.D. Martinez to a one-year, $12 million deal, including a $2.5 million signing bonus. The contract puts another dent in Scott Boras's negotiations with his clients.
Martinez got that deal even if he had 33 home runs and 103 RBIs in 113 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, enough to earn his sixth MLB All-Star selection.
J.D. Martinez is headed to the Mets pic.twitter.com/21GUHKqQSo
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 22, 2024
For comparison, Justin Turner received a one-year, $13 million contract even if he had ten fewer home runs and is three years older than Martinez.
Before playing for the Dodgers, Martinez spent five seasons with the Boston Red Sox. He also played for the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks.
Aside from Martinez, other Boras clients did not get the contract they sought. Matt Chapman settled for a three-year, $54 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, while Cody Bellinger signed a three-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Cubs. Two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell agreed to a two-year, $62 million contract for the Giants.
Martinez will join a Mets team with Brandon Nimmo as the projected starter in left field, Harrison Bader in center field, and Starling Marte in right field. Mark Vientos and DJ Stewart are their designated hitters.
-Lance Fernandez