Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Mets Reunite With J.D. Martinez in Special Role

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Aaron Shamilov | Last updated Mar 31, 2026 8:58 PM ET

The New York Mets are reuniting with a familiar face, as the club announced Tuesday that six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez has been hired as a special advisor to baseball operations.

Martinez, 38, played for the Mets in 2024 and played a key role in the team’s surprising run to the National League Championship Series. He was widely respected in the clubhouse for his leadership and work ethic.

Mets Hire J.D. Martinez as Special Advisor to Baseball Operations

Over the past two years, the Mets have reshaped their roster, with few players remaining from that 2024 team. One of them is Mark Vientos.

After struggling through his first 81 MLB games, Vientos benefited from Martinez’s mentorship, quickly turning things around. He went on to hit 27 home runs with 71 RBIs in 111 games.

Vientos carried that momentum into the postseason, tying for the ninth-most hits (14) in a single postseason in franchise history. He also added five home runs, including a grand slam in the NLCS.

However, Vientos has struggled since then, making Martinez’s return even more meaningful. Don’t be surprised if Vientos is among the first to reconnect with him in the clubhouse.

We have named J.D. Martinez as a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations. pic.twitter.com/amN0utviQh

— New York Mets (@Mets) March 31, 2026

In his new role, Martinez will mentor players both on and off the field. The special advisor position is typically given to former players or managers and focuses on providing insight and leadership throughout the organization.

During his time with the Mets, Martinez slashed .235/.320/.406 with 16 home runs, 69 RBI, and a 105 OPS+ in 120 games. Over his 14-year career, the three-time Silver Slugger owns a .283/.348/.516 slash line with 331 home runs, 1,071 RBI, and an .863 OPS across 1,642 games.

Martinez has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Mets.

Since 2024, Martinez has not appeared in a professional game, instead spending time playing pickleball—his other favorite sport.

The Last Word

While his impact on the Mets did not go unnoticed by fans—many of whom hoped to see him return as a hitting coach—Martinez is now back with the organization in a different, but still influential, role.

“Huge impact,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters in his reaction to the news. “Not only us in here as an organization, but outside of the organization, everyone saw what he meant to the team in 2024. .. Not only on the field but [also] off the field.

“Great guy in the clubhouse, he’s just super consistent and very knowledgeable. [He’s] very positive. .. Overall, a huge addition. I was super excited when I found out.”

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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