Projecting the Mets' lineup after signing J.D. Martinez: Is the DH situation solved?
Since the National League added the designated hitter to lineups in 2022, the Mets have consistently been seeking an uptick in production from the position.
In his first year as president of baseball operations, David Stearns is hoping he found a solution for that void in J.D. Martinez — a week before Opening Day at Citi Field.
According to reports, the Mets have added the six-time All-Star on a one-year, $12 million deal. Martinez hammered 33 home runs and drove in 103 runs in 113 games as a member of the Dodgers in 2023. Last season, Martinez posted the highest hard-hit percentage (55.1 percent) and highest strikeout rate (31.1) of his career during the Statcast era, which began in 2015.
Despite the Mets' front office and coaches committing to play the younger players throughout the spring, Martinez's penchant to provide offensive firepower signals a downturn in playing time for Mark Vientos, who also bats from the right side of the plate. It could hamper Brett Baty's time on the field, as well, if the Mets decide to split time at third base.
However, Martinez's presence will be a welcome one to back up Pete Alonso, who has hit 40-plus home runs in each of the last two seasons.
In 2023, Mets designated hitters produced a .700 OPS — the eighth-worst mark in Major League Baseball. They posted a .687 OPS in 2022, which was 18th in the league. Last season, Daniel Vogelbach drew 78 starts at designated hitter, with Vientos drawing the second-most with 34.
With Martinez in the fold, here is how we project the Mets' lineup to look on Opening Day:
Mets projected Opening Day lineup
Brandon Nimmo, LF
Francisco Lindor, SS
Pete Alonso, 1B
J.D. Martinez, DH
Jeff McNeil, 2B
Francisco Alvarez, C
Starling Marte, RF
Brett Baty, 3B
Harrison Bader, CF
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: J.D. Martinez: NY Mets projected lineup after signing
