Mets: A realistic trade offer for Red Sox star JD Martinez

The New York Mets have been connected to JD Martinez for quite some time now. If they were to call the Red Sox for the veteran DH, what would it cost?

Martinez is in the final year of his contract, so the Mets could just wait to acquire him this offseason. However, given how they’re playing, it’s in New York’s best interest to trade for Martinez this season in hopes of a long playoff run.

All of this is a moot point if the Red Sox continue their winning ways after a tough start to the season. Boston is sneaking up to the .500 mark, and could be buyers rather than sellers at the Aug. 2 trade deadline if they continue trending in that direction.

For the sake of the article, we’ll say Boston remains a disappointment. What happens with Martinez, then?

Mets: A trade offer for Red Sox DH JD Martinez

The Mets would get Martinez in a contract year. At 34 years old, he’s slashing .349/.390/.581 with an OPS of .971 and an OPS+ of 174. Those are astounding numbers and add another power threat to a Mets lineup that desperately needs one.

As for the Red Sox, it’s top value for a veteran like Martinez. While he’s hitting exceptionally well now, those numbers will go down at some point, at least a little. Smith is a former MVP candidate who, under the right tutelage, could return to his 2020 form. He also has two years of arbitration left, so he’s an affordable get for Chaim Bloom.

Plummer is the No. 8 prospect in the Mets system. He’s expected to return to the majors this season, and is blocked by a few high-profile outfield prospects in New York’s system. Senger is the same. As a veteran by minor-league standards, he has backup catcher written all over him, and is ready for a big-league call-up as soon as this season or next.

If Boston does stay down this year, it won’t be for long. Any Martinez trade will serve as a retooling of sorts, and they’ll want MLB-ready players in return.