Mets $21 Million Trade Candidate Suggested As Fit For Light-Hitting Royals-Report

Mets’ $21 Million Trade Candidate Suggested as Possible Fit for Royals’ Outfield Needs

Could the Royals acquire a veteran bat on the cheap?

The Kansas City Royals have a chance to make a push for the American League Central title in 2025.

With Bobby Witt Jr.’s star power leading the way and a potentially strong rotation, the Royals are in a solid position. However, there is one area still holding them back as the season approaches.

Last year, the Royals’ corner outfielders were among the worst in the league, and they have yet to make any significant improvements to that group. If MJ Melendez and Hunter Renfroe are both starting over 100 games in 2024, fans might start to feel frustrated.

Fortunately, there’s still time to make a move. The New York Mets could be looking to offload a corner outfielder, and the Royals may be able to acquire him for a minimal cost.

On Monday, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report suggested that Mets outfielder Starling Marte is one of the most obvious trade candidates left in the offseason and named the Royals as a potential fit for the two-time National League All-Star.

“As of December, the Mets were reportedly open to covering some of Marte’s salary to facilitate a trade,” Rymer noted. “This could still be the case if they aim to move him, considering Marte is 36 and hasn’t been a major contributor since 2022.”

Rymer also pointed out that teams like the Royals and Detroit Tigers, who both have weak outfield offenses, should target Marte.

At 36, Marte has dealt with injuries but can still be a productive hitter. He posted a 104 OPS+ in 92 games last season and two years ago, he had a 132 OPS+ in 2022, earning his second All-Star selection.

The main hurdle here is Marte’s salary. He is owed $20.8 million for 2025, the final year of his contract, while the Royals’ projected Opening Day payroll already stands at $117 million, $8 million higher than the previous season’s total.

If the Mets are willing to cover a significant portion of Marte’s salary—possibly to secure a better prospect return from Kansas City—this trade could be a win-win for both teams.