Five-year Boston Red Sox outfielder, J. D. Martinez, plans to play in MLB in 2025. He's a free agent, fresh off a down season with the Mets, but the veteran remains optimistic he'll find a home for his 15th major league campaign.
Martinez, 37, didn't sign with New York until about a week before spring training last winter — although there haven't been many reported suitors for the designated hitter, one could materialize at any moment. Despite his hopes to play at least one more season, the slugger has already made plans for his eventual retirement.
Martinez plans to continue in sport after he hangs up his spikes. He signed an exclusive contract with JOOLA, a pickleball equipment company, and plans to pursue a career in professional pickleball when his tenure in MLB is all said and done, per a press release from the company.
“I see pickleball as a sport I’ll be involved in for the long run and JOOLA’s commitment to the sport and my personal growth in the game makes this partnership even more special,” said Martinez in the release.
Four-time Red Sox All-Star J. D. Martinez to pursue a career in professional pickleball after MLB retirement
Martinez has already begun training under pickleball pros and will have JOOLA's full support to participate in matches and even hold his own tournaments. The MLB veteran has clearly been a pickleball fan for some time, as he has a court at his home.
Hopefully, Martinez finds a suitor for his services so he can play at least one more MLB season and end his career on a higher note. But if not, he has another career in sport to turn to.