New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is thrilled with the late free-agent addition of designated hitter J.D. Martinez.
"Huge shout out to (president of baseball operations) David (Stearns) and (owner) Steve (Cohen)," Alonso said Friday, according to Newsday's Tim Healey. "It's a huge message to the guys in the clubhouse."
The Mets reportedly inked Martinez to a one-year, $12-million contract Thursday. Alonso called the six-time All-Star a "hitting savant."
Teammate Francisco Lindor said Cohen informed him and Brandon Nimmo about the Martinez deal over text.
Martinez won't be ready for Opening Day on March 28 because he needs more at-bats in the minors, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
The 36-year-old slashed .271/.321/.572 with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs in 113 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. His bat should help a Mets club that finished 14th in offensive rating, according to FanGraphs.
