Mets Named Ideal Landing Spot for Two Top-10 Free Agents
By Jovan Alford
After a disappointing 2023 season that saw the New York Mets finish with a 75-87 record and miss out on the postseason, many fans expected the team to spend money in free agency to upgrade their roster.
However, that wasn’t the case for New York, as they missed out on star Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who signed a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December.
Yamamoto would’ve been a significant upgrade to a New York starting rotation that added Luis Severino in free agency and Adrian Houser in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Nonetheless, the Mets still have some time before spring training begins to make an addition to their starting rotation and lineup.
Mets Rumors: Jordan Montgomery and J.D. Martinez 'Ideal' Fits?
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter believes New York is an ideal landing spot for free-agent starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery and designated hitter J.D. Martinez. Montgomery is coming off an excellent postseason run with the Rangers that saw him post a 2.90 ERA in six games (five starts).
The 31-year-old left-handed pitcher also had a 2.79 ERA in 11 regular season starts with the Rangers after being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals. The veteran starting pitcher is also reliable, as he’s made at least 30 starts in three consecutive years. Bleacher Report projects the southpaw to get a six-year, $150 million, which would be well deserved after his performance in the postseason.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report projects Martinez to get a two-year, $30 million deal. The veteran slugger had an excellent 2023 season with the Dodgers, hitting .271 with 33 home runs and 117 RBI.
The last time Martinez hit 30 or more home runs in a season was in 2019 with the Red Sox (36). The 36-year-old right-handed power hitter would be an instant upgrade at the designated hitter spot, which was occupied by Dan Vogelbach. Last season, Vogelbach slashed .233/.339/.404 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI.
With the year that Martinez had in Los Angeles, he could provide some protection for three-time All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso. Regardless of who the Mets sign, they have a lot to work on as they try to compete with the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies, and Miami Marlins in the NL East.
Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.