PORT STREET LUCIE, Fla. — J.D. Martinez and the New York Mets signed him to a $12 million, one-year contract on Saturday.
The 36-year-old designated hitter will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus, $2 million this year and $7.5 million in deferred payments to be paid in $1.5 million installments on January 15 of each year from 2034-38.
“Fortunately, I found a place here in New York and one of the last-second types and it worked out,” Martinez told reporters in Port St. Lucie, Florida. “I'm excited to be here. I know the players are excited to have me and I'm excited just to be in the clubhouse with them. I’m ready for the journey ahead.”
Martinez batted .271 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs in just 113 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, providing solid value on the one-year, $10 million contract he signed before the season. Although his back and groin problems limited his playing time, he made five AL All-Star appearances with Detroit and Boston, as well as being named a National League All-Star.
He slotted into the middle of the Mets' lineup, giving them another power hitter to partner with Pete Alonso. Both players could become free agents after this season.
Martinez said he was a strong supporter of Alonso's inclusion in the team.
Martinez, who waited all spring to find a job, said he probably needs at least 15 days to prepare for the season. As such, he likely won't finish camp with the Mets in time for Thursday's season opener against Milwaukee.
“It kind of sucks. Obviously I want to part ways with the team. I want to be there. I want to be there for the opening game. It's special to be part of the team,” Martinez said. “But I have to get my body ready. I have to do spring training now, and I have to get ready for the season. The last thing I want to do is , just hurry up and get it done and get something out of it.'' So I want to slowly build up and come back. ”
To make room for Martinez on the roster, the Mets selected right-hander Phil Bickford.
David Stearns, the team's new president of baseball operations, said the Mets would rather give youngsters Mark Vientos and Brett Batty more at-bats this season than bring in a veteran at DH or third base. he claimed. However, Martinez is now the primary DH in Vientos' place, allowing him to share playing time with Batty in the third, giving him more opportunities, especially against left-handed pitchers.
Martinez said his relationship with Vientos “goes way back” as they practice at the same location. The veteran slugger told Vientos that he won't be discouraged by the apparent decrease in playing time, as there's always a chance for a talented player to get a chance at the big leagues, whether it's with the Mets or another team. He said he encouraged him to do so.
“I understand his frustration,” Martinez said.
Martinez has played only a handful of times in the corner outfield over the past two seasons, but has shown every sign that he can be a productive DH. Last season was the first time in Dodgers history that the team had four players with 100 RBIs, joining Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy.
Martinez's 33 home runs were his most since 2019, and his .893 OPS was his best since that year.
Martinez started his career in Houston, but blossomed after being released by the Astros and acquired by the Tigers in 2014. He hit a career-high 45 home runs with Detroit and Arizona in 2017, then joined the Red Sox and hit 43 home runs the following year. when Boston won the recent World Series title.
Martinez was one of the top free agents remaining on the market. Another Scott Boras client, left-hander Jordan Montgomery, is still looking for a new team on the final day of spring training.
“The offseason was a roller coaster,” Martinez said. “There are a lot of really good players in the same situation.”
