Mets sign slugger Jose Martinez to one-year deal

The New York Mets added an infielder on a Thursday but did so without executing a blockbuster trade this time around. 

Per the official MLB website, the Mets agreed to a one-year deal with utility player Jose Martinez. The 32-year-old has experience playing first base and the two corner outfield positions, and he will earn $1 million off his contract with $500,000 in incentives if he makes the big-league roster. That number drops to $225,000 if the Mets relegate Martinez to the minor leagues. 

Martinez made his MLB debut in 2016 with the St. Louis Cardinals, and he hit .309 in 2017 and then .305 the following season. He spent time with the Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs during the 2020 pandemic-shortened campaign and hit .182 with two home runs, 10 RBI and an OPS of .561. 

Over his career, Martinez has slugged 43 homers with 182 RBI, 170 runs scored and an OPS of .803 across 432 regular-season appearances. 

The Mets generated headlines last Thursday when they acquired All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians. Signing Martinez may be a mere blip on the radar for fans, but he could provide the Mets with some needed defensive depth and coverage.