J.D. Martinez agrees to quirky one-year deal with Mets: report

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One of the remaining veteran sluggers on the MLB free agent market has found a new home. 

J.D. Martinez is joining the New York Mets on a one-year deal worth $12 million, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

SNY’s Andy Martino adds that the contract will have heavy deferrals. The Mets will only pay $4.5 million of that total this season. The rest will be paid out from 2034-38, when Martinez will make $1.5 million each year. 

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J.D. Martinez of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates his solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning in Game 2 of a division series at Dodger Stadium Oct. 9, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Harry How/Getty Images)

The Mets are infamously known for the deferral of Bobby Bonilla’s contract, but many teams across professional sports use deals like this to help their finances. And that’s exactly what the Mets are doing here to reduce their luxury tax this season. 

Martinez, 36, is another Scott Boras client who didn’t find a team in time to report to spring training with the rest of the league. 

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He was trying to find the right situation at the right price, but teams weren’t budging despite the slugger earning his sixth All-Star nod after belting 33 homers with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. 

New York was looking for some more pop to add to its lineup with Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso.

J.D. Martinez of the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Game 3 of a division series at Chase Field Oct. 11, 2023, in Phoenix, Ariz. (Norm