The New York Mets have had a busy offseason. They signed Juan Soto, Frankie Montas, and Jose Siri while keeping Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea, and Jesse Winker. Their actions have resulted in a stalemate in the outfield and DH position. Starling Marte signed a four-year, $78 million contract in 2022, including a $20 million wage for 2025.
However, he has lost his power stroke and is a below-average defensive player. Marte’s salary is too much for him to just be a platoon player at DH. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, a deal for Marte is still possible, and the Kansas City Royals are one alternative. Sherman mentioned that the Royals attempted to acquire Marte earlier this offseason. “The Royals have wanted to obtain a veteran bat who can hit fifth in their lineup, and they were willing to expand payroll with a three-year offer to Anthony Santander, who instead signed with Toronto,” according to Sherman.
They also considered free agent Jurickson Profar (who went to Atlanta) and attempted to trade for the Angels’ Taylor Ward. So, with things still unresolved, Kansas City hasn’t given up on Marte, who is on track to play in spring training (knee) and has had his Mets position cut to basically righty part of a DH platoon.” Marte has only hit 12 home runs in the last two seasons, after hitting 16 during his 2022 All-Star season.
According to Mike Puma of the New York Post, the Mets aren’t eager to move Marte because he’s not causing any problems and has accepted his place on the team. According to Puma, the organization was open with Marte about seeking to trade him after signing Soto. Last season, the Royals won 86 games but lost to the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series. Adding a veteran like Marte might help them make a stronger postseason push.
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