4 upcoming Mets free agents who have been good but don't need to be re-signed

4) The Mets don’t need to re-sign J.D. Martinez

J.D. Martinez hasn’t had the most consistent year for the Mets. His best contribution may very well have been his advice handed off to Mark Vientos. Undoubtedly a wise addition regardless of the lessened power he has added after a remarkably powerful one with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Martinez always seemed like a one-year option for the Mets. This hasn’t changed a bit.

The negative of carrying a DH-exclusive player on the roster was always the biggest reason to stay away from Martinez in the first place. He’s the kind of guy you have to play every day or at least close to it. In some cases, it works well. See Shohei Ohtani on the Dodgers this season for a perfect example of what a dream DH looks like.

This year’s Mets could benefit from having the DH spot open. Allowing Starling Marte to take a half-day or giving Francisco Lindor the opportunity to hit but not have to worry about playing defense would be welcomed. Especially on a roster where Jose Iglesias was one of the team’s hottest hitters for weeks, this would have been one of the easiest ways to get him into the lineup more often.

Martinez’s age is one of the biggest reasons why a reunion seems unlikely. A freshly turned 37 (and father), he looks his age and then some way too often. We’re happy with what he has offered. We can happily wish him well when his contract expires and he looks for a new destination. Any newfound dad strength he may gain should be put to use this year. By the time he gets to 2025, Martinez might feel the aches of being the dad to an infant whose endless energy never ceases.