Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
The Mets have signed Jose Martinez to a split contract, Bob Nightengale reports.
The first baseman and outfielder will earn $1 million with $500,000 in incentives if he makes it to the majors, according to the report. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, reports that Martinez would make $225,000 in the minors. Martinez has two minor league options left and is controllable through the 2022 season.
Martinez has been known to mash left-handed pitching through his three-plus seasons in the majors, though he has struggled to find consistent plate appearances due to the downside of his glove at all parts of the field.
The 32-year-old spent 2020 with the Rays and Cubs, the latter with which he spent going 0-21 with before being non-tendered last month. A consistent universal designated hitter rule may help extend his career.
Over his career, Martinez has a .307 average and .915 OPS in 348 plate appearances against lefties. His bat can play (despite what a down year in 2020 and less than 100 at-bats will tell you).
However, his glove struggles–especially in the outfield. He has -24 DRS over 1,200 innings the corner outfield positions, according to Fangraphs.
This is a move meant to address the depth issues Jared Porter discussed over his first few public appearances as general manager. The Mets still will address their center field position, among other spots on the field and in the bullpen, by the time spring training rolls around.
