Former Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez has finally found a new home.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the veteran slugger has signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the New York Mets. The 36-year-old is expected to bat behind Pete Alonso, forming a strong power duo in the middle of the Mets lineup.
A six-time All-Star, Martinez was one of the top overall hitters on the free agent marketplace and had a successful season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After experiencing a decline in his performance during his final season in Boston, Martinez returned to form with the Dodgers, hitting .271 with 33 home runs, 104 RBI and an .893 OPS.
However, Martinez became available after the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a historic 10-year, $700 million contract earlier this winter. Following this signing, the Mets appeared to be a likely destination for Martinez, and after a long wait, the two parties eventually reached an agreement.
This is the second time in Martinez’s career that he has faced a significant wait in free agency. Before the 2018 season, Martinez did not sign his five-year, $110 million deal with the Red Sox until late February, several weeks after the start of spring training. He went on to play a key role in the Red Sox’s 108-win season and their most recent World Series victory, and he earned All-Star honors in four of his five seasons in Boston.
