The Mets’ outfield situation is in decent shape as they prepare to reshape the roster during what is expected to be a much more aggressive offseason than the one they had in 2023-24.
Speaking earlier this month, president of baseball operations David Stearns made it clear that Brandon Nimmo will be the left fielder in 2025, not a regular center field option — with Stearns explaining that the team will “explore free agency and trade” as it pertains to center, while noting that the club has confidence in Tyrone Taylor.
With Starling Marte having played just one game in center field since 2022, that leaves him as the right fielder, a designated hitter, a bench player, or — potentially — on another team.
Marte rebounded from a rough 2023 season (he was never quite himself while working his way back from double groin surgery) to have a solid campaign in 2024.
His offensive production was a tick above average and he performed well in the playoffs — especially in the NLCS against the Dodgers.
But Marte is entering his age-36 season with just one year left on his deal, is a poorly-rated defender in right field at this point in his career, and could be squeezed out of a regular role.
Is it time for the Mets to consider trading him?
WHY IT COULD MAKE SENSE TO TRADE MARTE
In the event the Mets sign Juan Soto — a player Stearns and Co. are going after full bore — there won’t be any regular outfield playing time for Marte.
Even if the Mets don’t land Soto, but sign someone like Anthony Santander or Tyler O’Neill, the same situation would arise with Marte, who would no longer have a spot in the outfield.
Additionally, two of the Mets’ most highly thought of prospects — Drew Gilbert and Jett Williams — are on the doorstep of the majors.
Gilbert, a natural center fielder who can also handle both corner outfield spots, finished the 2024 season with Triple-A Syracuse and got extra reps in the Arizona Fall League.
Williams, a center fielder and shortstop, also finished the season with Syracuse before playing in the AFL.
It’s unlikely either Gilbert or Williams is on the team on Opening Day, but it won’t be a surprise if they debut within the first few months of the season.
Getting back to Marte, he is no longer the kind of hitter he was in 2022, when he had an OPS+ of 132 and was one of the Mets’ most important lineup cogs. And his defense in right field leaves a lot to be desired.
WHY IT COULD MAKE SENSE TO KEEP MARTE
Beyond Nimmo, Marte, and Taylor, the Mets’ outfield depth is very thin.
The only other outfielders on the 40-man roster are Jose Azocar and Alex Ramirez. Both of those players are potential roster casualties once the Mets need room for players they acquire this offseason. And even if they remain on the team, they’re not legitimate options for the big league roster.
And as is discussed above, Gilbert and Williams should both debut in 2025, but it’s unclear when.
There’s also the likelihood that the Mets will probably have to eat a large chunk of Marte’s $20.75 million salary if he’s traded, though the Mets have shown recently (with Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and others) that they won’t hesitate to eat money in the right situation.
Even if the Mets add a starting corner outfielder this offseason, Marte as a DH option could make sense.
Being primarily a DH/bench bat would theoretically keep Marte fresh. And the Mets currently have a hole at DH, with J.D. Martinez and Jesse Winker free agents and Mark Vientos penciled in at third base.
VERDICT
One of the Mets’ main goals this offseason should be adding a starting-level corner outfielder, since doing so would not block either Gilbert (who can play center field) or Williams (who can play center and also shift to second base if necessary).
If the Mets accomplish that goal, one of the next things on their to-do list should be trading Marte — even if they have to eat a large chunk of what he’s owed.
Marte has been a good Met, and a key member of the lineup at times. But now feels like the time to move on.
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