J.D. Martinez’s Opposite Field Power Paying Dividends

J.D. Martinez has certainly had quite the week. On Thursday, the 36-year-old hit a walk-off two-run home run against Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott, the first walk-off of his career. Interestingly enough, that was the 321st home run of his 14-year career, yet first walk-off.

Martinez’s bat has remained red hot in the first two games of this series against the San Diego Padres, consistently giving the New York Mets quality at-bats. It took him some time to find his rhythm with this team. But right now, Martinez is a big reason why the Mets have flipped their momentum in recent weeks.

On Saturday, Padres starter Adam Mazur was having command issues right from the jump. He gave up two walks in each of the first three innings, but the Mets were unable to capitalize on any of those scoring chances. That would quickly change in the fourth inning, when Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo hit back-to-back doubles to open the scoring. Mazur was lifted from the game for former New York Yankee Jhony Brito. Martinez greeted him with a two-run home run to right-center field, his seventh of the season.

J.D. Martinez. Photo by Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

That would not be all for the veteran slugger on the day. Martinez showcased his opposite field power against Enyel De Los Santos to lead-off the seventh inning. On the second pitch of the at-bat, he got a hold of another ball, driving it over the wall in right center field again. That gave the Mets a 4-1 lead, one they would not give up. Martinez finished the day going 3-for-3 with two home runs, three RBIs, and two walks, as the Mets won 5-1 to take the second game of the series.

Over his last 11 games, Martinez is slashing .279/.380/.581 (.961 OPS) with three home runs and 12 RBIs. Everything seems to be working for him at the moment. “I know that I prepare. I know that I do everything I can possibly do to get ready for every at-bat. If it works out, it’s great. If it doesn’t, there’s nothing else I would change,” Martinez said after Saturday’s win.

The Mets have now won four consecutive games and 10 of their last 14. All of a sudden, the mood around the team has shifted. Late in the offseason, the Mets and the San Francisco Giants were reportedly heavily interested in Martinez. He opted to sign for the former because he felt Citi Field suited him better.

Specifically, Mike Petriello of MLB.com analyzed his decision, pointing out Martinez’s power trends over his career and just how good of a fit at Citi Field Martinez would be. This especially compared to a venue such as Oracle Park in San Francisco. Now, unsurprisingly seven of the veteran’s eight home runs have come at home this season.

It appears Martinez made a great decision, both for him and the Mets.

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