Mets talking to J.D. Martinez — and the interest is mutual
NY Post
TEMPE, Ariz. — The Mets are among teams talking to star free agent designated hitter J.D. Martinez, and word is the interest is mutual, sources tell The Post.
Mets owner Steve Cohen has apparently given the go-ahead to seriously discuss Martinez even though the Mets are over the fourth-tier, so-called “Steve Cohen tax,” and they’d have to pay a 110 percent tax on any new deals.
The Mets like Martinez as a potential answer to solving a long-running lineup issue of protection for star cleanup man Pete Alonso, but other teams, including the Angels, remain involved for the hitting star.
Martinez has declined at least one offer, so his preference is no small thing.
Martinez is also said to like the idea of going to the Angels, who also have interest in the player who had 33 home runs, 103 RBIs and an .893 OPS for the cross-freeway Dodgers.
Martinez lost his job 45 miles up I-5 when the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani for $700 million (with $680 million deferred).