Dodgers Star Slugger Reportedly Would Be 'Cleanest Fit' As Mets New Designated Hitter

New York needs a new slugger and a former Dodgers star could make sense

The New York Mets could use a new slugger in the middle of the lineup.

One of the Mets' biggest roster holes heading into free agency certainly is the designated hitter spot. There have been rumblings that Daniel Vogelbach could be let go this offseason and the Mets could be looking for an upgrade. 

Luckily for the Mets, there are a handful of options that could help the club this offseason and not break the bank. One player who reportedly could be a fit is former Los Angeles Dodgers slugger J.D. Martinez, according to SNY's Danny Abriano. 

"Martinez could be the cleanest fit, in terms of length of the contract he'll get, pedigree as a masher in the role, and the ability to crush both right-handed and left-handed pitchers," Abriano said. "Entering his age-36 season, it's likely that Martinez will require just a one-year deal, which would be perfect for a Mets team that is trending younger and likely aiming to not hand out multi-year deals to older players.

"There is some injury risk with Martinez, who played in 113 games for the Dodgers in 2023. And he has dealt with back issues in the past. But Martinez is coming off a terrific season where he slashed .271/.321/.572 with 33 homers and 27 doubles, and would provide serious thump for a lineup in need of it."

Martinez has been one of the right-handed hitters in baseball over the last five years and certainly would be an upgrade for the Mets, even though he is 36 years old. He was an All-Star in 2023 with the Dodgers and finished the season with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs to go along with a .271/.321/.572 slash line in 113. If the Mets could add that type of production to the middle of the lineup, they would be in a good spot. Add two more starting pitchers into the mix and the Mets could be a playoff team again.