The Mets may still have a proven bat on the market.
Conversations are ongoing between J.D. Martinez’s camp and the Mets. The newspaper’s Mike Puma reported on Tuesday. Leaves the door open for clubs to strengthen their lineups at the right price.
With one week left until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Mets don’t have a guaranteed designated hitter.
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns previously suggested the Mets could keep the DH slot open as a way for Mark Vientos, DJ Stewart and others to get into the at-bat.
But adding Martinez would provide a more proven and productive solution at the position for the Mets as they look to compete in 2024.
Martinez, 36, played with the Dodgers last season on a one-year, $10 million contract, hitting .271 with 33 home runs and an .893 OPS.
He has been named an All-Star in each of the past five seasons (except for 2020, when there was no All-Star Game).
Earlier this offseason, the Mets signed another veteran hitter in Justin Turner, who later signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Blue Jays.
Jorge Soler is another DH option still available on the free agent market if the Mets decide to fill that hole.
“Sometimes when you’re talking about the DH position, having a guy like a bat-first guy can help you rotate guys through that,” Stearns said last month. “We haven’t made a firm decision on that yet. I think it’s a little early to make a decision yet, so we’re still in discussions.”
As of Tuesday, the Mets already have the highest expected luxury tax payroll in MLB at $329.8 million, well above the top tax threshold of $297 million, according to the Kotz contract. .
