Mets optioning Martinez to minors to build up at-bats

The New York Mets are planning to option the newly signed J.D. Martinez to the minor leagues in an effort to build up at-bats, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.

The move means Martinez won't be with the Mets for at least the first 10 days of the regular season, Puma adds.

The Mets officially announced a one-year contract reportedly worth $12 million with Martinez on Saturday.

Martinez will wear No. 28, with Mets manager Carlos Mendoza taking No. 64 instead.

"I was happy to give it up," Mendoza said, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo.

Martinez is expected to slot in as the Mets' designated hitter when he joins the team. The 36-year-old enjoyed a strong season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, registering a 135 wRC+ with 33 home runs and 103 RBIs over 113 games.