The Mets are at a similar crossroads as they try to retool their roster for 2025, which includes finding a new home for veteran outfielder Starling Marte.
The 35-year-old has one year left on his contract, which is worth $19 million, and New York is ready to move on. While selling Marte may provide some financial flexibility, finding a suitor has proven to be tougher said than done.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets are aggressively looking for a “better situation” for Marte, while still noting that he may still play on the roster if no deal is reached. According to Puma, “The Mets told Starling Marte last month that they would try to trade him to a better circumstance while also seeing a role for him if he stayed. Despite Jesse Winker’s return, Marte remains a viable right-handed DH option. Right now, there is no traction for a trade. Marte is owed $19 million.”
A Steep Decline in Production
Marte’s 2024 season left much to be desired. He appeared in just 93 games, hitting.269/.327/.388 with seven home runs, 40 RBIs, and a 104 wRC+. His speed, which had once been his defining attribute, appeared to wane as well, with only 16 stolen bases compared to 24 the previous year in a similarly limited 86-game season.
Marte’s defensive numbers continued to drift lower. He played 680.1 innings in right field, saving -6 defensive runs and recording -8 more outs than average. Marte’s defensive regression, along with decreased offensive productivity, makes him a difficult sell at this point in his career, especially for a team looking to buy him for more than a money dump.
The Mets’ Dilemma
Marte doesn’t have much room on the Mets’ roster, especially now that Jesse Winker has been re-signed and younger outfield possibilities have emerged. While Marte could theoretically serve as a right-handed designated hitter, his $19 million salary is an expensive insurance policy for a player who is no longer expected to play every day.
The management is likely looking to find a team ready to take on some of Marte’s salary, even if they may have to eat a chunk of the deal to effectuate the trade. Marte’s experience and leadership may appeal to a team searching for senior depth, but his deteriorating performance puts him far from a desirable commodity.
