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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 09: J.D. Martinez #28 of the New York Mets hits a single in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during Game Four of the Division Series at Citi Field on October 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
J.D. Martinez last played in an MLB game during the 2024 season as a member of the New York Mets.
He finished that year batting .235 with 16 home runs, 69 RBI’s and 46 runs in 120 games.
6x MLB All-Star Appears To Have Retired
GettyJ.D. Martinez #28 of the New York Mets reacts after drawing a walk in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game Three of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 16, 2024 in New York City. Martinez has been a free agent since that season.
On Tuesday, the news came out that he is now being hired by the Mets.
At 38, it appears as if his playing career has come to an end.
Tim Healey of The Boston Globe wrote: “Sources: The Mets are hiring J.D. Martinez as a special adviser to baseball operations. It’ll be a role similar to Carlos Beltran’s, including time with/around the players in the clubhouse, on the field, etc. Martinez last played when he was with the Mets in 2024.”
Martinez’s 14-Year MLB Career
GettyJ.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates after defeating the Detroit Tigers 6-0 at Fenway Park on June 5, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Martinez was picked in the 20th round of the 2009 MLB Draft.
He became a star during his time with the Detroit Tigers where he made the All-Star Game 2015.
Over 458 games with the franchise, he batted .300.
GettyAlex Avila #13 of the Detroit Tigers hits a grounder for an out but drives in J.D. Martinez against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Comerica Park on September 23, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan.
Martinez then made five more All-Star Games during stints with the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 2018 (with Boston), he batted .330 with 43 home runs, 130 RBI’s, 111 runs and six stolen bases.
They won the World Series that year.
SleeperRedSox wrote (on March 3): “I’ll say it, J.D. Martinez. From 2018–2022 with the Red Sox: 🔥 .292 AVG 🔥 130 HR 🔥 423 RBI 🔥 .886 OPS Led the league with 130 RBI in 2018 and finished 4th in AL MVP voting that year. Absolute beast for Boston.”
GettyJ.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after striking out against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Fenway Park on August 24, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
MLB Social Media Reacts To Martinez News
GettyJ.D. Martinez #28 of the New York Mets reacts after hitting a double in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on September 29, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Here’s what people were saying about Tuesday’s news:
@McleanIsKing: “We will always remember that walk off against the Marlins welcome back!”
@mhack: “The same J.D. Martinez that went from being cut by the worst team in baseball to becoming an All-Star – in an unconventional way (that everyone can learn from)?”
@AndrewJClaudio_: “It is very funny for them to do this NOW after how many Mets fans on this website were CONVINCED doing this last year would’ve prevented the collapse 😂”
@BatyIsKing_: “This is huge news for the Mets!!!!”
@artiebucco_chef: “W, help our offense be good please”
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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