J.D. Martinez

Plus a look at why starting Luis Severino against the Cubs over the weekend was a good idea and J.D. Martinez's impact on the clubhouse.

After underperforming in the first two months of the season, the mood around the Mets — winners of six straight — is light and lively.

Lindor impressed with a web gem and aggressive base running and Martinez went 3-for-3 with two homers in the Mets' fourth straight win.

The Mets squeaked out a series victory over the lowly Marlins but still saw positives in their performance.

Fried’s seven hitless innings and his recent return to form was the most important aspect Saturday.

Martinez went 2-for-4 with an RBI double in his Mets debut. Keeping his bat in the lineup will affect how the team uses multiple players.

Martinez hit 33 homers last season. That’s one more than the Mets’ No. 5 hitters hit over the last two seasons.

Martinez received a cortisone shot recently and started swinging again over the weekend. Plus notes on the defense and Senga.

Through 11 games, the Mets have allowed 21 stolen bases, more than any other team.

Swapping Martinez into the order for Mark Vientos, at the moment, raises both the floor and the ceiling of this offense significantly.

The Mets' newest free-agent acquisition loves to talk about hitting: “That’s my passion. That’s what I do.”

Sources suggested the Mets held interest in adding a designated hitter — at the right price. Martinez finally fit the bill.

The free agent market’s best designated hitter this side of Shohei Ohtani has found a new home.

There are still free-agent stars on the board, but how many teams need them — and would be willing to spend what it will take to sign them?

After creating spending room with the Jorge Polanco trade, the Twins are searching for lineup help, especially from the right side.

Now that Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have signed, can a quality 26-man team be built with the remaining players on the market?

Martinez remained productive at age 36, but the outlook for his return could depend on the Dodgers' chances of landing Shohei Ohtani.

This summer, Betts and Freeman set the table at the top of the order and they set the tone in the Dodgers' clubhouse.