The New York Mets have attempted to re-sign renowned slugger in free agency. However, they have another power hitter in free agency: J.D. Martinez. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Martinez plans to play in 2025. He has 16 home runs last season. While predicting each team’s opening day lineup, Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter anticipated that the Detroit Tigers would add the veteran slugger.
“If the Tigers are willing to make Colt Keith, Jace Jung and Spencer Torkelson compete for one spot in the starting lineup, a reunion with J.D. Martinez would give them the proven veteran run producers their lineup is lacking,” according to Reuters. “The versatility of Matt Vierling gives them additional flexibility, as he can play in the outfield when Jung is at third base.”
Martinez is a six-time All-Star who was selected last season. Martinez appeared in 120 games with the Mets last season, recording a 106 OPS+. Martinez might be an excellent option against left-handed pitching for the Tigers. Martinez slashed.263/.370/.466 against lefties last year. His career OPS is.863, and he has 331 home runs. He would not contribute much, if anything, defensively, but he is certainly an advantage on offensively.
His.235 hitting average for the Mets was his lowest single-season average since 2020. However, he began the season injured and did not make his debut until April 26. Martinez would be a low-cost addition to the Tigers’ lineup, perhaps providing a power threat.
