The New York Mets are reportedly considering parting ways with veteran outfielder Starling Marte before the 2025 season begins. Marte, a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner, is entering the final year of his four-year, $78 million contract, with $20.75 million owed for the 2025 season.
Marte’s tenure with the Mets has been a mix of highs and lows. After signing with the team in the 2021-2022 offseason, he delivered a strong performance in his first year, earning an All-Star selection and contributing significantly both offensively and defensively. However, the subsequent two seasons were marred by injuries and inconsistent play. In 2023, Marte managed a .625 OPS over fewer than 100 games, followed by a modest rebound in 2024 with a .715 OPS, though he missed two months due to injury and struggled upon his return.
The Mets’ recent acquisition of superstar outfielder Juan Soto on a record-breaking $765 million contract has further crowded their outfield roster, diminishing Marte’s projected role. With players like Soto, Jose Siri, Tyrone Taylor, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil in the mix, Marte’s position appears increasingly uncertain.
To address this surplus and manage payroll, the Mets are exploring trade options for Marte. One proposed scenario involves sending him back to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent the initial eight seasons of his MLB‰ career. In this hypothetical trade, the Mets would receive a package of prospects, potentially including Jack Brannigan, Billy Cook, and Axiel Plaz. However, given Marte’s substantial remaining salary, the Mets might need to cover a portion of his 2025 earnings to facilitate such a deal.
The Mets have shown a willingness to absorb financial losses to improve team performance, as evidenced by recent transactions. General Manager David Stearns has demonstrated that the organization is prepared to make bold moves, even if it involves paying players to play elsewhere, provided it enhances the team’s competitiveness.
Marte’s potential departure marks a significant shift for the Mets, reflecting their commitment to restructuring the roster around new acquisitions and emerging talent. While his veteran presence and past contributions are noteworthy, the team’s strategic direction appears focused on optimizing performance and financial flexibility for the upcoming season.
