The New York Mets added an outfielder, and no, it’s not George Springer.
This winter, New York Mets fans got to experience what it might be like being a Yankees fan. With a new owner who’s actually willing to spend money in Steve Cohen, Mets faithful witnessed the team sign catcher James McCann and acquire shortstop Francisco Lindor and pitcher Carlos Carrasco in a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Indians. There’s just one more position for the Mets to address, and that’s outfielder.
Well, they got one on Thursday and no, it’s not George Springer.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Mets have signed former Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Jose Martinez to a split-contract worth up to $1 million if he were to make the major league roster.
Martinez is a high-upside signing for Mets
Sure, he’s not Springer, but Martinez does provide potential in the batter’s box.
Martinez previously spent his first four MLB seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and he showed his hitting expertise throughout his tenure. In that span, Martinez slashed .298/.363/.458 with 41 home runs, 172 RBI, 160 runs scored and 344 hits. However, his stint in St. Louis reached its end after he and outfielder Randy Arozarena were traded to Tampa Bay in exchange for pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore and catching prospect Edgardo Rodriguez.
While Arozarena thrived with the Rays and eventually became a postseason legend, Martinez struggled in the Sunshine State. In 24 games, Martinez recorded a .239 batting average and .717 OPS while hitting two home runs and 10 RBI.
Martinez was then traded to the Cubs in exchange for infielder Pedro Martinez and cash. He couldn’t turn his luck around in the Windy City, as he went 0-for-21 at the plate and was walked once.
Joining the Mets will do wonders for Martinez, as they were one of the more productive hitting teams in the league this past season and will get to work with esteemed hitting coach Chili Davis. If Martinez can impress in Spring Training, he’ll earn a spot on New York’s bench for the 2021 season.