Mets Bring in J.D. Martinez to Mentor Young Hitters

Veteran slugger aims to share his expertise and help the team's offense in new coaching role.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:41am by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game broken down into fragmented geometric shapes in shades of blue and orange, representing the Mets' team colors and the strategic approach of their new hitting coach.A new coaching approach aims to unlock the Mets' offensive potential through the veteran expertise of J.D. Martinez.San Francisco Today

The New York Mets have brought in veteran slugger J.D. Martinez to serve in a new coaching role, where he will work closely with the team's young hitters and share his offensive expertise. Martinez, who had a successful career with the Houston Astros, is looking to impart his knowledge and experience to help the Mets improve their performance at the plate.

Why it matters

The Mets have struggled offensively in recent seasons, and bringing in an experienced hitter like Martinez could provide a valuable boost to their lineup. As a respected veteran with a proven track record, Martinez's mentorship and guidance could help develop the team's young talent and unlock their full potential.

The details

In his new role, Martinez will work one-on-one with Mets hitters, analyzing their swings, approach, and strategy at the plate. He will also provide insights on pitch selection, situational hitting, and other nuances of the game that he has mastered over his career. The Mets are hoping that Martinez's expertise and hands-on coaching will help improve the team's overall offensive production.

  • Martinez joined the Mets coaching staff in early April 2026.

The players

J.D. Martinez

A veteran slugger who had a successful career with the Houston Astros and is now joining the Mets in a coaching role to mentor the team's young hitters.

Juan Soto

A young Mets outfielder who recently suffered a minor calf strain, but is expected to return to the lineup soon.

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What they’re saying

“Just my knowledge with that and just helping any way I can, anything I see, whether it's in the offense, whether it's the strategy, whether it's mentorship, I'm just here to help out any way I can.”

— J.D. Martinez, Mets Hitting Coach

The takeaway

The Mets' decision to bring in J.D. Martinez as a hitting coach demonstrates their commitment to improving the team's offensive production. With his wealth of experience and proven track record, Martinez could play a crucial role in developing the team's young talent and helping the Mets become a more formidable offensive unit.