Things are getting a bit more interesting with the Mets as the 2024 season approaches. The team signed J.D. Martinez to a reported 1-year, $12 million contract that includes some deferred dollars. On the surface, signing a 36 year-old Designated Hitter (DH) at the close of Spring Training should not make too much of a difference.  However, given that it’s J.D. Martinez, and this is the Mets we’re talking about, it’s not that straight-forward.  

The signing of J.D. Martinez has ripple effects throughout the roster. In a year where everyone expected a major youth movement, with Brett Baty (3B) and Mark Vientos (DH) taking off the training wheels, you can read this Martinez move through a few different lenses. First, the value lens. Martinez was an All-Start last year with over 30 HR’s and 100 RBI’s. Guys like that don’t grow on trees, and to get him on a 1-year deal for less than what Luis Severino is making is good value. There are also deferred dollars which make the deal even more attractive for the front office. Second, a lens showing an indictment of the youngsters. If Vientos, Stewart, Baty, etc. were all over-performing, would Martinez have even been a consideration this close to the start of the season? Third, the lens where the Mets feel they are ahead of schedule and can make noise in 2024. With a pitching staff that leads the Majors in Spring Training ERA, if that continues into the regular season, protecting Pete Alonso in the lineup with a legit power hitter could be the difference in making the playoffs.  

Let’s take a deeper dive into what the Mets are getting. Martinez is a 36 year-old righty hitting slugger who will be 37 by the end of the season. He was a full-time DH last season and projects as one in 2024 as well. He was a 2023 All-Star who hit 33 home runs with 103 RBI’s, to go with an average of .271, and will easily slot into the heart of the Mets lineup. If he replicates last year’s slash of .271/.321/.572, with an OPS of .893, Mets fans will be thrilled. His one-year contract for $12 million won’t impact the 2024 luxury taxes to that level. There is deferral language in the deal that moves the 2024 value to only about $9 million.

The obvious next-level question this brings up for the Mets is what to do with Mark Vientos, who was set to open the year as DH. In Spring Training this year, Vientos has flashed some power but has not hit much for average. Can he still be a piece for the 2024 Mets? Sure, but most likely as a 3B backup/platoon with Baty and a potential DH option later in the year if the season goes sideways and/or Martinez is traded around the deadline. If the Mets value Vientos and want to keep him with the big club, DJ Stewart is another option to send to the minors.

Here is a look at a potential lineup that Carlos Mendoza can feel good about, when Martinez is in playing shape:

1. Brandon Nimmo, LF (L)
2. Francisco Lindor, SS (S)
3. Pete Alonso, 1B (R)
4. J.D. Martinez, DH (R)
5. Francisco Alvarez, C (R)
6. Jeff McNeil, 2B (L)
7. Starling Marte, RF (R)
8. Brett Baty, 3B (L)
9. Harrison Bader, CF (R)

I like this lineup as it splits the lefties throughout, and keeps Alonso in the top 3 (ensuring a first inning at-bat).

The 2024 season is just around the corner. Here’s to a successful, playoff-bound campaign. As always, Let’s Go Mets!!

By : Jason Krom

Photo Credit ClutchPoints, The Athletic, and Pinterest

Stats by baseball-reference.com and fangraphs.com 

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