J.D. Martinez
Position: DH
Age: 36 (08/21/1987)
Traditional Stats: 113 G, 479 PA, .271/.321/.572, 33 HR, 103 RBI, 27 2B, 34 BB, 149 SO
Advanced Stats: 134 OPS+, 1.9 bWAR, .301 BABIP, 6.9 HR%, 31.1 SO%, 7.1 BB%, 93.4 EV, 54.9 HardHit%
Rundown
Players always seem to turn back the clock on the Dodgers.
J.D. Martinez had a bounce-back season in Los Angeles after the Dodgers signed him to a prove-it, one-year deal for 2023. The right-handed DH had previously been an All-Star in 2022 with the Red Sox but had seen a drastic step back in power after playing through a back injury.
After clubbing 16 homers, and less than 20 for the first time since 2013, with the Red Sox in 2022, Martinez returned to form with the Dodgers. He clubbed 33 homers in only 113 games, along with 27 doubles and 117 hits.
By getting his old stroke back, Martinez returned to the run producer he was during his tenure with the Red Sox. He drove in 103 runs for the Dodgers, which was the third most behind Mookie Betts and Max Muncy.
Needless to say, Martinez was an integral piece of the Dodgers offense last season. He finished third on the Dodgers in homers, runs batted in, total bases, OPS, and OPS+ (134).
The most impressive aspect, however, of Martinez’s season was his consistency. After clubbing four homers in April and March, Martinez hit at least six homers in every following month. His weakest month in 2023 was June, where he still slashed .237/.277/.516 with eight homers.
Martinez was rewarded for his success last season with a trip to the All-Star game. It was his sixth time going in his career and his fifth consecutive season being nominated.
Still, even with a massive back bounce year in the Dodger blue, Martinez couldn’t shake the injury bug in 2023. He missed 10 games with a lower back injury in May and then only played seven games in August after dealing with a groin injury.
Contract
Martinez signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Dodgers for the 2023 season. He is now a free agent heading into 2024.
After his All-Star season, Spotrac.com has his market value set at a one-year, $15.4 million contract. The only team linked to Martinez currently is the Diamondbacks.
Recommendation
While Martinez is an enticing player, the Mets should stay away from him for a couple of reasons. First, Martinez is going to turn 37 during the 2024 season. He doesn’t fit the profile for the roster David Stearns and the Mets are trying to build.
Second, Martinez has now dealt with back injuries in two straight seasons. Players don’t usually get healthier as they get older, and the Mets shouldn’t invest money even if it is a one-year contract.
Finally, Martinez would block the designated hitter spot on the roster. The Mets have deemed 2024 a transitional year where they want to evaluate their prospects. Martinez would take at-bats away from Mark Vientos, Ronny Mauricio, and even DJ Stewart, who are all significantly younger and potentially a part of the long-term solution.
