J.D. Martinez Exposes the Brutal Truth About MLB Free Agency – Only the Elite Survive
The New York Mets’ outfielder and designated hitter, J.D. Martinez, has sparked controversy by shedding light on the flaws of MLB free agency. While stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto have secured massive deals, Martinez argues that free agency is far from a golden ticket for most players. Instead, it exposes the brutal truth that only the elite truly benefit—leaving others, like Pete Alonso and Alex Bregman, struggling to find lucrative contracts.
Martinez’s remarks have ignited debate across the baseball world. Many players dream of testing the market, hoping for a major payday. However, Martinez insists that free agency is a cutthroat business where only the biggest names secure massive deals, while others are left battling for much smaller contracts or even struggling to find a team.
“Free Agency Is a struggle.”
Martinez, who is also navigating free agency, didn’t hold back in an interview with John Heyman on The Show. He bluntly stated:
“Unless you’re a guy like Soto or Ohtani, it’s Disneyland for you… but if you’re not, it’s going to be a struggle.”
He emphasized the frustration of seeing less accomplished players land bigger contracts, admitting:
“It hurts your ego a little bit when you see players ahead of you, who you’ve outperformed, getting paid a lot more.”
His comments reflect a harsh reality that many mid-tier players face: they put up solid numbers but are still overlooked in favor of younger stars or high-profile names. The financial gap between elite free agents and everyone else continues to widen, making it increasingly difficult for veteran players to secure the contracts they believe they deserve.
The Harsh Reality Behind Free Agency Deals
The lucrative contracts signed by Ohtani and Soto have set unrealistic expectations. Their deals dominate headlines, making it seem like free agency is a dream scenario. However, Martinez argues that such cases are rare.
For most players, free agency is a grueling process filled with uncertainty, negotiation struggles, and financial disappointments.
While top-tier talent secures record-breaking contracts, mid-level players often face lowball offers, prolonged unemployment, or forced pay cuts. Some players enter free agency with confidence, only to find themselves waiting months for an offer—or settling for a contract worth far less than they anticipated.
Why Free Agency Isn’t a Guarantee
While free agency provides an opportunity to explore better deals, Martinez warns that it’s not as easy as it looks. Patience and strategic maneuvering are key, as franchises prioritize players who maximize their financial and marketing potential—not just their performance on the field.
Another factor making free agency unpredictable is the rise of advanced analytics in baseball. Teams now evaluate players based on deep statistical analysis rather than just traditional stats like home runs or RBIs. This shift means that even players with solid resumes can be overlooked if their metrics don’t align with a team’s long-term vision.
Martinez’s takeaway? Ohtani and Soto are the exceptions, not the rule. Their success shouldn’t mislead players into thinking free agency is an automatic jackpot. Instead, it’s a ruthless business where only the biggest stars truly thrive.
