Mets are open to trading OF Starling Marte for relief help, according to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated.
Marte, 36, is in the last year of a four-year, 78 million-dollar contract he signed in 2021. He is due $19.5 million for the 2025 season. He’s had a solid Mets career, hitting .272/.328/.403 in his three seasons in Flushing, with 28 home runs and 58 steals.
Photo by: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Marte had a phenomenal 2022 season where he made the All-Star team and hit .292/.347/.468 with 16 home runs, 63 RBI, and 18 stolen bases. However, his 2023 season was derailed by injury and in 2024 his defense and power numbers sharply declined but his outstanding arm strength remained, with six outfield assists. Despite the decline, Marte stole 16 bases in 2024.
With the signing of Juan Soto, Marte now becomes expendable. Marte’s deteriorating defense would make him a less-than-ideal candidate to be the Mets’ fourth outfielder, especially with the presence of super-sub Tyrone Taylor who can handle all three outfield positions. While a scenario that would place him at DH isn’t out of the question, the Mets may be on the lookout for better options for the short side of a DH platoon.
The Mets have yet to address their bullpen in free agency, with the only signing being right-hander Clay Holmes who was announced as a starting pitcher. According to Ragazzo, the Mets would probably have to agree to pay a significant portion of the Marte contract to get a decent prospect return, which they’re willing to do.
The post Mets Open to Trading Starling Marte appeared first on Metsmerized Online.
