It’s the moment Mets fans have long awaited. J.D. Martinez is set to make his debut for the New York Mets this Friday, as the team has officially brought him up from his minor league assignment. Martinez will step onto the field at Citi Field to play against the St. Louis Cardinals, marking his first appearance for the Mets in 2024, a little over a month after he first signed with the team. To clear space on the roster, New York has designated infielder Zack Short for assignment.
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
Health concerns have been a significant factor for the veteran player. The Mets had hoped to include him in the club at the start of their recent road trip. However, Martinez had to sit out for several days in early April due to what the team described as “overall body soreness.” Although his return was delayed by a week, a cortisone shot effectively alleviated the tightness in his lower back.
Last season, Martinez played 113 games with the Dodgers, during which he hit 33 home runs, drove in 103 runs, and achieved an OPS of .893. Despite missing some games, he was one of the league’s top hitters and earned his third consecutive All-Star nomination (and sixth overall).
Furthermore, Martinez ranked exceptionally high in various metrics such as Average Exit Velocity, Barrel Percentage, Hard-Hit Percentage, expected Slugging Percentage (xSLG), and Sweet-Spot Percentage, placing him in the 96th percentile or better. Even his expected Weighted On-Base Average (xWOBA), which assesses the quality of contact and resulting outcomes, ranked in the 91st percentile.
These metrics suggest that Martinez should continue to perform well in 2024. Although decline is expected for a player his age, the Mets need similar production from him this year. His underlying metrics suggest that any decline might occur after 2024. This is crucial for New York, as Martinez’s value primarily comes from his batting, even though his knowledge of hitting and leadership qualities also benefit the clubhouse.
Mets Designated Hitter Woes
Since the 2022 season, the National League has allowed the designated hitter position. During this time, the Mets have harbored hopes of winning the World Series. However, their aspirations have been hampered by a lackluster offense.
The absence of a strong offensive presence at the designated hitter position has been a significant issue for recent Mets teams. Since 2022, New York’s designated hitters have only produced a 101 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), ranking 17th in the league. This is considered league-average production from a spot in the lineup solely dedicated to hitting. Just one more power hitter would have significantly bolstered the team’s potential, and now the Mets finally have it.
With Martinez, one of the most formidable hitters and designated hitters of his era, the Mets aim to lengthen their lineup and provide protection for their current stars. Only time will reveal the impact, but Martinez’s arrival in Queens is expected to make a difference and potentially propel the team towards a deep playoff run.
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