Mutual interest exists between Mets, J.D. Martinez (report)
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March 12: Mutual interest between Mets, J.D. Martinez (report)
The Mets have been linked to designated hitter J.D. Martinez throughout the offseason, and according to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the two sides are still talking and have mutual interest in one another.
Heyman writes in the New York Post that Mets owner Steve Cohen "has apparently given the go-ahead to seriously discuss Martinez."
The Mets are planning to rotate players such as Mark Vientos, DJ Stewart and Starling Marte at DH. Signing Martinez, who hit 33 homers for the Dodgers last year, would give New York an obvious candidate to fill that spot every day. Any deal would also come with a 110% tax as the Mets are projected to be over the fourth Competitive Balance Tax threshold of $297 million this season.
The Angels and Marlins are reportedly among the teams also interested in the 36-year-old slugger.
Feb. 22: Will Senga’s injury cause Mets to revisit top FA arms?
The Mets’ rotation was dealt an unfortunate blow on Thursday, with president of baseball operations David Stearns announcing that ace pitcher Kodai Senga is being shut down with a posterior capsule strain in his right shoulder. Senga will likely begin the season on the injured list and is without an exact timeline for his return.
At this time of year, the Mets typically wouldn’t be able to find a replacement for their injured ace in free agency. But this year is different, with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery both still unsigned.
Senga's injury is bound to lead to increased speculation about the Mets' interest in Snell and/or Montgomery. However, Stearns said that the Senga news doesn’t change anything regarding the likelihood of the Mets adding someone before Opening Day.
Feb. 12: Alonso reaching free agency is 'the most likely outcome'
One of the key storylines for the Mets this season is what will happen with star first baseman Pete Alonso, who is entering his final year before reaching free agency.
When talking to the media on Monday, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns all but said that Alonso will likely hit free agency next offseason.
“I think that’s probably the most likely outcome,” Stearns said when asked about Alonso’s likelihood of reaching free agency. “When you have a talented player who’s entering his final year of club control and happens to be represented by (agent) Scott Boras, these things usually end up in free agency.”
Feb. 2: Is Mets' offseason complete after adding Fujinami, Diekman?
The Mets reached one-year deals with relievers Shintaro Fujinami and Jake Diekman on Friday, per a source. Those moves could be the finishing touches on what has been a busy offseason.
Fujinami and Diekman are the latest players to reach big league deals with the Mets in this free-agent cycle, joining pitchers Luis Severino, Sean Manaea, Adam Ottavino, Austin Adams, Michael Tonkin and Jorge López, and position players Harrison Bader and Joey Wendle. New York also traded for right-hander Adrian Houser and outfielder Tyrone Taylor.
One day before the Mets came to terms with Fujinami or Diekman, SNY's Andy Martino reported that the team was just about finished with its offseason work.
"[A] sense is taking hold inside the organization that the roster looks quite close to what it will be when pitchers and catchers report to Port St. Lucie on Feb. 14," he wrote.
The club has had interest in adding a designated hitter such as Jorge Soler or J.D. Martinez, but Martino states the club will stand pat unless the prices for those players drop significantly. He estimates that the Mets have between $10-15 million left to spend, but they are saving that money for possible moves at the Trade Deadline.