It’s not like the New York Mets are giving up on expanding their roster just yet.
The Mets are in negotiations with the agents of top free agency designated hitter J.D. Martinez, as Mike Puma of The New York Post said indicated on Wednesday.
Talks between the Mets and Martinez, as SNY insider Andy Martino later disclosed, are still far from over, though.
The problem is that Martinez is expected to be paid well because he just finished a terrific All-Star campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Mets are already overspending on payroll for 2024, as Martino noted, and they will have to pay a luxury tax of 11% on every dollar spent.
The Mets seem prepared to see what they have in Mark Vientos as their everyday DH and give Starling Marte some break at that position since he is coming off an injury-plagued season, however Steve Cohen has made unexpected changes in the past, so it can’t be ruled out.
Gio Urshela and Brandon Belt are two names that make sense and suit the team’s budget if the Mets are unable to sign Martinez, which still seems doubtful at this time unless his price tag falls substantially. The Mets have not stopped showing interest in Urshela. In addition, he boasts gold glove calibre defence and a useful bat, serving as insurance at third base in case Brett Baty fails once more.