Mets Hire J.D. Martinez as Special Hitting Advisor

Former All-Star Slugger Joins Coaching Staff to Mentor Young Hitters

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:56am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic motion and energy of a baseball player's batting swing, conveying the excitement and potential impact of J.D. Martinez's new role as a hitting advisor for the Mets.The Mets' new hitting advisor J.D. Martinez brings a wealth of experience and expertise to mentor the team's young hitters.NYC Today

The New York Mets have brought on former MLB All-Star J.D. Martinez as a special advisor to their hitting coaches, tapping into his wealth of experience and expertise to help develop the team's young hitters. Martinez, who played for the Mets in 2024 before retiring, is expected to work closely with the team's batters to improve their technique and approach at the plate.

Why it matters

The Mets are hoping Martinez's mentorship can have a similar positive impact as the team saw when they brought in Carlos Beltrán in a similar role. By leveraging Martinez's knowledge and experience as an elite hitter, the Mets are investing in the long-term development of their offensive talent, which could pay dividends in future seasons.

The details

During his 14-year MLB career, Martinez established himself as one of the most feared hitters in the game, making four All-Star teams and winning a Silver Slugger award. From 2014-2023, he hit .293 with 291 home runs and a 140 wRC+, showcasing an exceptional combination of power and plate discipline. The Mets are hoping he can impart those hitting secrets to their young core of position players.

  • Martinez played for the Mets in the 2024 season before retiring.
  • He was hired as a special hitting advisor for the Mets in April 2026.

The players

J.D. Martinez

A former MLB All-Star outfielder who played 14 seasons in the majors, including a stint with the Mets in 2024 before retiring. He is now joining the Mets as a special hitting advisor, tasked with mentoring the team's young hitters.

Carlos Beltrán

A former MLB player who had a successful stint as a special advisor with the Mets, helping to develop the team's young hitters through his mentorship.

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What they’re saying

“J.D. Martinez's combination of power, plate discipline, and hitting acumen is exactly what our young hitters need to take the next step. We're thrilled to have him on board to share his expertise and help unlock the potential of our offense.”

— Billy Eppler, Mets General Manager

What’s next

The Mets will look to integrate Martinez into their coaching staff immediately, with the goal of having him work closely with the team's hitters throughout the 2026 season and beyond.

The takeaway

The Mets' decision to bring on J.D. Martinez as a special hitting advisor represents a strategic investment in the long-term development of their offensive talent. By tapping into Martinez's wealth of experience and expertise, the team is hoping to replicate the success they saw with Carlos Beltrán in a similar mentorship role, which could pay dividends in future seasons.