J.D. Martinez makes bold claim about how 2026 Mets compare to 2024 NLCS team

Veteran slugger J.D. Martinez served as a designated hitter for the 2024 New York Mets team that surprisingly completed a trip to the National League Championship Series. 

More recently, Martinez returned to the Mets to serve as a special advisor to baseball operations. While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, he made it known he's quite high on the club's current squad. 

Are Mets better now than they were in October 2024?

Per John Flanigan of SNY, Martinez insisted that he thinks the 2026 Mets are by far "more talented" than the 2024 roster.  

Two seasons ago, players such as first baseman Pete Alonso, outfielder Brandon Nimmo, utility man Jeff McNeil, infielder Jose Iglesias, starting pitcher Luis Severino and closer Edwin Diaz all helped the Mets get to within an NLCS victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers of playing in the World Series. 

Those players have since been replaced by the likes of outfielder Juan Soto, third baseman Bo Bichette, second baseman Marcus Semien, first baseman Jorge Polanco, center fielder Luis Robert Jr., ace Freddy Peralta, potential future ace Nolan McLean and relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. 

"It’s a really good group," Martinez added about the 2026 Mets. "I’ve played with and against a lot of these guys. I have a ton of respect for them -- Bo, Marcus, and Juan, bringing those guys over, those are big bats and difference-makers. At the beginning of the year, they weren’t really scoring. They are starting to score more now. Adding Freddy too is huge with the pitching staff they’ve added -- they’re a threat,  this is a really good baseball team."

Soto may not play again before the final weekend of April due to a right calf strain. Nevertheless, the Mets had won four straight games before they suffered a 7-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon that dropped New York to 7-5 on the season.  

Why J.D. Martinez returned to the Mets in new role

Martinez has 14 years of playing experience on his MLB resume. On Wednesday, he shared why he felt now was the time to accept his new role with the Mets. 

"I’ve always built a good relationship with everybody here," Martinez explained. "It was just one of those things where I was like, you know what, this could be fun. I like what they are doing here. I like the team they’ve built here. I had a great experience here with the front office, the ownership, the clubhouse, everything -- it was just a really fun place to come, so I said, 'Why not? Let’s do it.'"

Martinez wants to serve as a mentor and a resource for current Mets players. Perhaps he can help younger members of the lineup contribute until Soto is cleared to return from his setback.