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Former Red Sox designated hitter J.D. Martinez has finally found a new home.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the veteran slugger has signed a one-year, $12 million deal with the New York Mets. The 36-year-old should slot in behind Pete Alonso to form a formidable power tandem in the heart of the Mets lineup.
A six-time All-Star, Martinez was one of the top overall hitters on the free agent marketplace and was coming off a strong season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After seeing his production wane his final season in Boston, Martinez enjoyed a return to form by batting .271 with 33 home runs, 104 RBI and an .893 OPS for the Dodgers.
Still, Martinez became expendable after the Dodgers signed two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to a historic 10-year, $700 million contract earlier this winter. Once that happened the Mets seemed like an obvious landing spot, and after a protracted wait the two sides eventually came to an agreement.
This is the second time in Martinez’s career he’s endured a long wait in free agency. Martinez didn’t sign his five-year, $110 million deal with the Red Sox before the 2018 season until late February, several weeks after camp had already opened. He went on to help lead the Red Sox to a 108-win season and their most recent World Series championship, and he earned All-Star honors in four of his five seasons in Boston.
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