J.D. Martinez Rumors: MLB Insider lists variables that can influence former Dodgers DH's next destination

J.D. Martinez is coming off a spectacular 2023 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he returned to form. In 117 games, the veteran slugger hit .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs.

Now, Martinez is a free agent and is looking for his next contract, and one team he has been tied to is the New York Mets. The Mets are looking to upgrade their DH position heading into the 2024 season, and Martinez would be an excellent addition. The two sides have had talks previously, but nothing as far as years or value has been mentioned.

However, the Mets may have second thoughts on Martinez. Andy Martino of SNY believes the team could favor Mark Vientos or DJ Stewart taking the bulk of the designated hitter duties:

"They don't want to freeze out Mark Vientos and D.J. Stewart on potential DH at-bats," Martino said.

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Martino believes the front office may try to see what they have with Vientos and Stewart rather than paying a premium for a DH. But if the Mets can land him for the right price, he would instantly boost the lineup.

Mets must do their research on J.D. Martinez

Division Series - Arizona Diamondbacks v Los Angeles Dodgers - Game Two

Because the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani, they no longer need J.D. Martinez. While he is coming off a great season, there are some concerns about his game.

In 2023, Martinez saw a strikeout rate of 31.1 percent, which was the worst of his career. While that did not hurt his production, it is something to keep an eye on. Martinez also saw a 7.1% walk rate, the lowest of his career since 2014, which is not a pretty sight.

Martinez could be a good fit for the Mets, but only if he can continue barreling up balls at the plate.

About the author

Jared "Bloomy" Bloom is a journalist covering Major League Baseball at Sportskeeda and a former college baseball pitcher from Illinois, who just graduated with a Master's degree in Sport Psychology.

A writer with over 3 years of experience, Jared is consistently more concerned with quality than quantity, thoroughly checking multiple sources of information, and prides himself in being knowledgeable not just about MLB, but the game of baseball in general. He loves breaking down plays and game-changing moments, as well as looking closer into players' statistics.

Jared is a die-hard Chicago White Sox fan, and one of his earliest memories is seeing his great-grandfather, a huge Sox fan, in his rocking chair watching a game. Jared started playing from the age of 5 with his grandfather coaching him early on.

Jared loved Tim Lincecum for his quirky delivery and looked up to him as a role model when playing. His current favorite is Phillies star Bryce Harper, an exciting player who doesn't let injuries hold him back. Jared's favorite sports moment is Mark Buehrle's opening day between-the-legs glove flip to first base in 2010.

When he is not watching or writing about baseball, Jared can be found racing BMX at his local Rockford BMX track or coaching his local youth travel baseball team.

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Edited by Jared "Bloomy" Bloom