It’s the move that Mets fans have been waiting years for.
J.D. Martinez is finally slated to make his New York Mets debut on Friday, as the team officially activated him from a minor league assignment. Martinez will make his Mets and 2024 debut at Citi Field against the St. Louis Cardinals just over a month after initially signing. New York designated infielder Zack Short for assignment to make room on the roster.
OF J.D. Martinez has been recalled from Triple-A Syracuse.
INF Zack Short has been designated for assignment.
— New York Mets (@Mets) April 26, 2024
J.D. Martinez To Make His New York Mets Debut on Friday
In lieu of a traditional Spring Training, Martinez spent the past few weeks working out at the Mets complex in Florida and playing games with the organization’s Low-A and Triple-A teams.
In 19 minor league games, the 36-year-old hit .316 with an .802 OPS. Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Wednesday that the veteran would join the team on Friday if he felt healthy after that night’s game with Syracuse. For what it’s worth, Martinez seemingly felt goof after collecting two hits with two RBI.
JD delivers! 1-0 us pic.twitter.com/fe81ONptVf
— Syracuse Mets (@SyracuseMets) April 24, 2024
Health represents a legitimate concern for the veteran. The Mets hoped to have him join the club at the beginning of the most recent road trip. However, Martinez sat out several days in early April with what the team called “overall body soreness.” While his timeline got pushed back a week, a cortisone shot effectively relived his lower back tightness.
In 113 games last season with the Dodgers, Martinez hit 33 homers, drove in 103 runs, and produced an .893 OPS. He was one of the best hitters in the league, despite missing time, and earned his third straight All-Star nomination (and sixth in his career).
Additionally, Martinez ranked in the 96th percentile or better in Average Exit Velocity, Barrel %, Hard-Hit %, xSLG, and Sweet-Spot %. Even his xWOBA, which measures quality of contact and results, ranked in the 91st percentile.
These metrics say Martinez should continue hitting well in 2024. Though decline is inevitable for a player his age, the Mets must receive similar production from Martinez this year. His underlying metrics indicate that a fall off should come after 2024. That is crucial for New York, as Martinez’s value come largely from his bat, even if his hitting knowledge and leadership abilities pay dividends in the clubhouse.
Mets Designated Hitter Woes
The designated hitter position became legal in the National League before the 2022 season. During that time, the Mets have had World Series aspirations. However, a thin offense helped sink the team in both seasons.
A lack of legitimate offensive firepower at DH has held recent Mets teams back. Since 2022, New York designated hitters have produced a 101 wRC+. That ranks 17th in the league and is league average production from a lineup spot designed to do nothing but hit. Just one more pure slugger would have boosted the team’s potential greatly, and now the Mets finally have it.
The Mets hope that Martinez, one of the most prolific hitters and DH’s of his generation, lengthens the lineup and protects current stars. Only time will tell, but Martinez is coming to Queens expected to be a difference maker that carries the squad to a deep playoff run.
Main Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
