Morning Briefing: Mets Bolster Offense With Addition Of J.D. Martinez
Good morning, Mets fans!
The Mets made late-night headlines and have inked a one-year contract worth $12 million with J.D. Martinez, as reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The contract breaks down to a $2 million base salary, a $2.5 million signing bonus, and a $7.5 million deferred that is payable in $1.5 million installments each Jan. 15th from 2034-2038.
This decision strengthens the offense, and offers added support to the Mets’ lineup, particularly benefiting slugger Pete Alonso. It comes as the team aims to potentially contend following their absence from the playoffs last season. For further insights into Martinez’s signing, including contract specifics and additional information, be sure to check out our article discussing the deal in depth and more!
Now onto the morning briefing!
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Francisco Álvarez ignited the Mets’ rally with a clutch two-run single with the bases loaded, propelling them into the lead. Zack Short then delivered a grand slam, contributing to a remarkable seven-run eighth-inning comeback against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., resulting in a 10-5 victory for the Mets on Thursday. Brett Baty, seeking redemption following a tough 2023 season, launched his third home run, a powerful 406-foot shot to center field. Additionally, Harrison Bader joined the home run parade for New York. For more, check out our recap.
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com tweets that Mets opening day starter Jose Quintana has passed his citizenship test and became a full United States citizen. DiComo also notes that Mets starter Kodai Senga, speaking through interpreter Hiro Fujiwara, expresses, “I feel good. I feel ready.” Senga plans to start catch sessions next week, pending internal evaluations. His ramp-up timeline is uncertain, but the Mets may schedule him to pitch once every six days, potentially extending his spring training.
Tim Healey of Newsday notes the correction of first baseman Jiman Choi‘s name as well as an upcoming contract opt-out date for the power-hitting infielder.
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Noted by Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, there are no current disciplinary actions against Dodgers Shohei Ohtani, as confirmed by an MLB official. Additionally, he is not suspected to be under active investigation by the league regarding the situation involving Ippei Mizuhara.
As reported by Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post, Dodgers PR personnel stood watch over Ohtani’s locker while he changed, informing reporters that he wouldn’t be available for comments. Despite journalists gathering around his locker and asking for a moment, Ohtani passed by and exited the clubhouse, bidding farewell with what Japanese reporters translated as “Have a good night.”
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On This Date in Mets History
1962: After the Yankees denied the Mets from playing at Yankee Stadium before the start of their inaugural season, the two teams finally faced off months later. On March 22, 1962, the clash unfolded at St. Petersburg’s Al Lang Field in front of a nearly packed audience. With over 6,000 fans in attendance, the game swung back and forth, culminating in a tie score of three runs each as the visiting Yankees leveled the game in the ninth inning. However, undeterred, the Mets rallied in the bottom of the ninth. Outfielder Joe Christopher hit a triple off reliever Gary Blalock. Shortly after, pinch hitter Richie Ashburn sealed the victory with a walk-off single, driving Christopher home.
Birthdays: Edwin Díaz (29), Ike Davis (36), Joe Smith (39), Juan Uribe (44), Jeremy Griffiths (45), Dan Boitano (71)
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