Red Sox World Series champion takes job with Mets, ending playing career at 38
Six-time All-star J. D. Martinez toyed with the idea of retiring before the 2024 season, before he signed a one-year contract with the New York Mets.
Martinez wasn’t planning on retiring in 2025, though a contract to his liking never came. He spent much of the year on a boat , launching a business venture in pickleball , and briefly helping former Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers teammate Mookie Betts get his swing untracked. MORE: Mets to sign 12-year MLB veteran immediately before Opening Day Martinez never formally announced his retirement.
However, at 38, the 2018 World Series champion appears ready to take on his first post-playing role in baseball. According to multiple reports March 31, Martinez is joining the Mets in a special advisor role. According to Tim Healey of the Boston Globe, it’s a similar role to that held by Hall of Famer (and, briefly, former manager) Carlos Beltran.
In addition to his six All-Star nods and World Series ring, Martinez retires with three Silver Slugger Awards in 14 major league seasons (2011-24). His final season with the Mets was a productive one (. 235/.
320/. 406, 107 OPS+ in 120 games). More to come on this story.