New York Mets Skipper Gives Up Jersey Number for Star Slugger, Hilariously Cites Single Condition for Precious Gesture

Suddenly, the New York Mets fans are believing again. Not that they ever stopped trusting the team but the clubhouse wasn’t giving the most encouraging of vibes recently. Injuries, failures, and lack of signings began overshadowing the relatively beautiful spring break. Then came JD Martinez’s signing and suddenly the Mets have turned into a happy place. The vibe has been so infectious that no one even bothered to ask, “How will Martinez get his number?” 

The No. 28 has adorned the chest of Martinez for the majority of his career. The superstar has made that number iconic with his breathtaking performances and amazing displays of power. Reclaiming his usual number proved tricky. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza wore it and only agreed to relinquish it under a specific condition.

Mendoza was in his typical laidback and easy-going mood when he declared that he had given up that elusive number 28 for Martinez. There was an audible gasp when the reporters heard it. However, the Mets’ skipper shared that he knew that JD Marinez was arriving so had already prepared himself. Still, when Martinez asked him about the shirt, Mendoza had a great response for the slugger.

Carlos Mendoza gave his uniform No. 28 to J.D. Martinez, free of charge, stating, “I was happy to give it up,” Reading Martinez’s account(What do I need to do to get No, 28) hilariously, the skipper reponsed, “Hit a lot of homers.” While they all shared a laugh afterward, the skipper stated that he’ll go back to number 64 – the one he used for the past six years (with the New York Yankees).

Though Mendoza’s infectious persona has won the hearts of the fans, the Queens Faithful are still worried about their team’s hitting staff. However, the entry of Martinez suddenly changed the atmosphere.

JD Martinez gives the Mets a chance to believe again 

Often dubbed “the smartest hitter in baseball” JD Martinez has already become a popular figure within the Mets’ fanbase. One of the chief reasons was the way his deal was structured. According to The Guardian, while he has signed a one-year $12 million deal with the Mets, Martinez has deferred $7.5 million of it through 2038! For now, he’ll receive a $2.5 million signing bonus and another $2 million in salary for this year. 

This deferral is a huge relief for the Mets who are under pressure with their ballooning payroll. Then comes the fact that in 2023 in his age 35 season, Martinez hit 33 homers. Even a hint of that same performance is a mouth-watering prospect for a hitter-starved Mets. As a result, things are looking particularly bright in the Queens.

For a team that was deemed down and out the Mets are certainly finding new gears to compete this season. However, Martinez won’t start on the main team immediately, the hitter will first play in the minor leagues to get back in shape. Still, it seems the beautiful spring has rubbed off on the Blue and Orange squad.

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