Seeking right-handed bench depth, the Mets inked veteran José Martínez to a split contract on Thursday. A source said the deal is worth $1 million, with another $500,000 in incentives if Martínez makes the Majors or $225,000 in incentives if he is in the Minors.
We’ve signed infielder/outfielder José Martínez to a one-year contract. #Mets https://t.co/kWGhfFhXww
— New York Mets (@Mets) January 14, 2021
Mets president Sandy Alderson recently discussed the need to flesh out his team’s bench, particularly with right-handed hitters capable of manning outfield spots. Martínez can do that, despite his history as a below-average defender at both corner outfield spots and first base.
The Mets are mostly interested in Martínez as a hitter, believing he can bounce back from a disappointing 2020 campaign with the Rays and Cubs. There is evidence for the Mets to believe that was an anomaly. From 2016-19 in St. Louis, Martínez hit .298 with 41 home runs and an .821 OPS. He is a career .307/.382/.534 hitter against left-handed pitching, giving the Mets a potential platoon partner for Brandon Nimmo in left field — provided they can find a center-field upgrade to push Nimmo to left.
Alderson has characterized the Mets’ current outfield situation as a two-man group, referring to lefty hitters Nimmo and Michael Conforto. The team still has a level of interest in free-agent center fielder George Springer, though it remains to be seen if they will make the type of offer necessary to bring Springer to Queens. Signing Springer could push the Mets over Major League Baseball’s $210 million luxury-tax threshold, which they have indicated they are hesitant to do.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].