The New York Mets are enjoying a successful season, largely due to some strategic free-agent signings.
Key acquisitions like Sean Manaea and Luis Severino have experienced impressive comebacks, placing the team in a strong position for the final National League Wild Card spot as the season nears its end.
However, another veteran addition, J.D. Martinez, who signed a $ 12 million one-year contract, has not performed as expected. He is currently batting .241/.323/.418 with 16 home runs, a significant drop from his career averages of .284/.348/.517 and 33 home runs last year. This decline has led Tim Boyle of FanSided’s Rising Apple to suggest that Martinez might contemplate retirement.
“While it’s possible he could return to the Mets, they might prefer to keep the DH position available for players needing some rest,” Boyle noted. “At 37 and now a father, Martinez might choose to spend quality time with his newborn daughter rather than pursue another season of baseball.”
Martinez was signed by the Mets in late March and didn’t join the major league roster until late April. His performance has not matched the standards that earned him six All-Star selections and three Silver Slugger Awards throughout his 14-year career.
With free agency approaching at the end of the season, the elbow and ankle injuries Martinez has dealt with this year could contribute to his decision to retire. If he struggles to maintain his power at the plate, finding a major league team next year may prove challenging.
“Martinez is still a solid run producer, but his power is definitely diminishing,” Boyle added. “His slugging percentage is likely to be over 100 points lower than last season, and he is settling for more singles than his role typically demands.”
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