The Post has learned from sources that the Mets are among the teams in talks with J.D. Martinez, a star free agency, and that there is mutual interest.
Despite the fact that the Mets are above the fourth-tier, so-called “Steve Cohen tax,” and would have to pay a 110 percent tax on any new deals, owner Steve Cohen has reportedly given the go-ahead to really consider Martinez.
The Mets see Martinez as a possible solution to their long-standing lineup problem of protecting star cleanup player Pete Alonso, but the Angels and other teams are still in the running for the hitting sensation.
Martinez’s preference is significant because he has turned down at least one offer.
The Angels are reportedly interested in Martinez as well. Martinez was a member of the cross-freeway Dodgers with 33 home runs
When the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani for $700 million (with $680 million deferred), Martinez lost his position 45 miles up I-5.
Martinez, who earned $10 million in salary the previous season, reportedly turned down a larger offer from the Giants earlier in the spring due in large part to the team’s severe pitchers’ park policy.
Although Citi Field isn’t exactly a hitters’ paradise, it’s also not the pitchers’ paradise that San Francisco’s Oracle Park is.
Right-handed batters who frequently hit the ball to right-center field, like Martinez, will find Angel Stadium to be advantageous.
As in previous years, the Mets have a few respectable options to back up Alonso, but no clear favorite.
In the event that the Mets are unable to acquire a full-time DH, Francisco Alvarez, Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Starling Marte are a few players that might meet that need.
Despite there being more teams involved, the Mets appear to have a greater chance of making the playoffs than the Angels, which might provide them an advantage.
