Mets Agree on One-Year Contract with J.D. Martinez…
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Mets have reached an agreement with J.D. Martinez on a one-year contract worth $12 million. However, due to deferrals, the net present value of the deal will be less than $12 million.
Andy Martino of SNY states that the Mets will pay only $4.5 million of Martinez’s salary for this year, with the remaining $7.5 million spread out in annual installments from 2034 to 2038. Martinez is represented by the Boras Corporation.
Martinez, aged 36, was the most sought-after unsigned offensive player. Coming off a season where he hit 33 home runs and earned his sixth All-Star nod with the Dodgers, Martinez showcased his best offensive performance in four years with a batting line of .271/.321/.572.
Although Martinez’s hitting abilities remain strong, there are concerns regarding his increased strikeouts and decreased contact rates. Despite these red flags, Martinez continues to excel in power hitting, with a significant percentage of his batted balls registering high exit velocities.
Primarily a designated hitter now, Martinez’s lack of defensive versatility may have contributed to his prolonged free agency stint. Despite interest from other teams like the Giants, Martinez’s negotiations with the Mets persisted, eventually leading to an agreement.
Joining the Mets, Martinez is expected to bolster their offensive lineup alongside Pete Alonso. With Martinez’s arrival, prospects like Brett Baty and Mark Vientos might see adjustments in their roles, possibly competing for playing time at third base.
The Mets, already facing significant luxury tax penalties, structured Martinez’s contract with deferrals to mitigate their financial commitments, reducing their net present value and potential luxury tax obligations.
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