The New York Mets’ outfield for 2025 may look significantly different from the previous year. With Harrison Bader no longer on the roster, the team has acquired Jose Siri for center field and Juan Soto for right field. Combined with Brandon Nimmo in left, there may not be space for veteran Starling Marte.
The Mets are looking to offload Starling Marte and his contract.
Currently, Marte would likely take on the designated hitter role if the season started today. However, the team may prefer to keep that position open for potential moves, such as re-signing Pete Alonso, developing Luisangel Acuña, or advancing Brett Baty’s progression.
Reports throughout the winter indicate the Mets are exploring trade options for Marte and might even be willing to cover part of his salary for a substantial return.
Marte earns $19.5 million per year, and in 2025—the final year of his contract with the Mets—his salary rises to $20.75 million. Despite his injury history, having missed 144 games in the past two seasons, the 36-year-old still has valuable skills, including a solid bat and speed.
Marte’s price tag and injury concerns complicate matters.
If Marte is healthy, he has the potential for a 15-30 season with a wRC+ between 100 and 110. In 2024, he posted a 104 wRC+ in 94 games with 370 plate appearances. For the Mets to acquire a solid reliever or a B-level prospect in exchange for Marte, they may need to cover most of his salary—an approach that worked in their favor with Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, which helped bring in players like Acuña, Drew Gilbert, and Ryan Clifford.
The key question is whether any team will be willing to take on Marte’s contract amid his injury concerns, and if the Mets can secure a worthwhile return. The answer should come soon.
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