Mets Acquire 6-Time MLB All-Star Hitter J.D. Martinez on Short-Term Deal

J.D. Martinez - Washington Nationals v Los Angeles Dodgers

(Photo : Harry How/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - J.D. Martinez (#28) of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after his strikeout to end the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Dodger Stadium on May 31, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

The New York Mets have made an essential addition in free agency to bolster their roster.

The team is set to sign veteran designated hitter J.D. Martinez to a one-year deal worth $12 million, as reported by league insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post on Thursday, March 21.

Martinez will receive a $2.5 million signing bonus upfront, but there are deferrals in the agreement.

The 36-year-old's prolonged free agency, one of many such cases this offseason, has finally concluded, just about a week before the regular season proper kicks off next Thursday, March 28.

The 2018 Hank Aaron Award recipient last played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2023 season, during which he achieved a batting average of .271 with 117 hits, 33 home runs, 103 RBIs, and 61 runs scored in 113 games.

New York Mets' league-high luxury tax bill increases with Martinez signing

Before acquiring Martinez, the Mets faced a league-leading luxury tax bill of $71.5 million.

With the addition of the six-time MLB All-Star, adding an extra $13 million to the bill, the total is now expected to be approximately $84.5 million.

The Mets will gain substantial offensive reinforcement with Martinez's addition, given the team's heavy reliance on star first baseman Pete Alonso, who amassed 123 hits, 46 home runs, and 118 RBIs in 2023.