J.D. Martinez spoke to the media for the first time on Saturday afternoon.
Martinez touched on multiple topics, specifically why he chose the Mets over other teams, a behind-the-scenes player who lured him to Queens, and even Mark Vientos, who was the Mets designated hitter before the signing.
“For me, I know I don’t have too many years left in this game,” Martinez told the media. “I want to give myself the best chance to win, I’m addicted to the playoffs, I’ve been there multiple times… once you get a taste of that, it’s kind of addicting.”
The comments from Martinez signal that the 36-year-old believes the Mets are in a position to win now. He is only signed through the 2024 season and will be a free agent heading into 2025.
Oct 9, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter J.D. Martinez (28) hits a home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning for game two of the NLDS for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Martinez had other suitors this offseason and chose the Mets. Two teams highlighted were the Giants and Angels, who are both chasing wild cards in their respective leagues. Martinez, however, chose Queens over the West Coast, highlighting the ballpark as one major reason.
“If I’m being quite honest, it’s not the best hitter-friendly park for me,” Martinez told the media.
“If I go there and I hit .260 with 20 (homers), people are going to say I’m old and I’m washed up and I’m kind of done, and “I’ll) find myself out of the game. I wanted to give myself the best opportunity. It’s nothing against the Giants organization at all. I just wanted to give myself the best opportunity to continue my career in baseball and keep playing.”
It’s certainly interesting that Citi Field was the best park available for slugger Martinez, as the park isn’t known for offense. Still, it’s a refreshing comment to hear, as the Mets have been looking for a mainstay DH since the position was introduced to the National League in 2020.
And even if Martinez hit .260 with 20 homers in 2024 with the Mets, it would be a drastic improvement to the team. In 578 at-bats last season, Mets’ DHs slashed .220/.312/.403 with 30 home runs.
Outside the ballpark, Pete Alonso was also a factor in Martinez coming to the Mets. The two have the same agency, and Martinez told the media he reached out to him during the offseason.
“Pete was very advocate about getting me over here, and reaching out, we have the same agency so he was very, ‘get him over here,’ and this and that, and I was like, ‘dude I’d love to,’ but it’s not up to me.'”
Alonso’s campaign to get Martinez to Queens was successful, and should be fruitful for the Mets’ first baseman. Mendoza told the media earlier on Saturday that Martinez would bat behind Alonso this season, providing him protection in the lineup he’s never had before.
Martinez also touched upon the Vientos situation. Like Vientos, Martinez didn’t have a spot on a roster earlier in his career, and stated he understood what the 23-year-old was going through.
“I understand his position, he’s a young kid, he’s 24 years old. He’s got a lot of time in this game, and he’s got so much talent, I understand his frustration,” Martinez said about Vientos.
“Him and I go way back because we work out at the same place, and I know for him it’s one of those bittersweet things. I kinda told him, ‘Hey, there’s plenty of opportunities. Whether it’s here or another team, you just go out there and play the game. The chips are gonna fall.'”
While Vientos will get fewer at-bats with the Martinez signing, the new Met believes in him and knows he’ll get his shot. For now, though, the attention turns toward Martinez.
Martinez was an All-Star last season with the Dodgers, slashing .271/.321/.572 with 33 homers in 113 games. He was optioned down to the minors, and will need at least 15 days of preparation before joining the Mets.
