The New York Mets and J.D. Martinez have agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract, pending a physical, a source confirmed to ESPN. Martinez, a designated hitter, will provide a potent power source in the Mets’ lineup alongside slugger Pete Alonso.
The deal includes a unique payment structure, with Martinez receiving $4.5 million this season and $1.5 million deferred annually from 2034 to 2038.
After a challenging 2022 season with the Boston Red Sox, Martinez rebounded with an All-Star performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, hitting 33 home runs with 103 RBIs and an .893 OPS in 113 games. Despite his success, the Dodgers opted for a one-year commitment, as their priority was signing Shohei Ohtani as their designated hitter.
Martinez, 36, boasts a career .287 batting average over 13 seasons with the Dodgers, Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, and Houston Astros. While many teams now prefer rotating everyday players through the DH spot, Martinez has proven himself as a capable DH, rarely playing in the outfield.
The New York Post first reported Martinez’s agreement with the Mets.
