Mets Promised Outfielder They'd Trade Him, One Team Still Interested

The New York Mets have a bit of a crowded outfield after the signing of superstar Juan Soto this offseason. With Soto, Jose Siri/Tyrone Taylor and Brandon Nimmo slotted in from right to left field, that leaves longtime veteran and two-time All-Star Starling Marte without a real path to playing time.

To that end, they had promised the 36-year-old outfielder that they would try their best to trade him this past winter.

“They were very clear, very honest with me up front," Marte said just before spring training. "They obviously want the best for this team, but also the best for my future."

Marte played only 94 games last season due to a knee bone bruise, his second consecutive year missing nearly half the season. In 2023, it was a groin injury.

There's a report that the Kansas City Royals have been interested in trading for Marte, and maybe even still at this point, even though his knee troubles from last season are still lingering. He hasn't played yet in spring training, and Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said last week he doesn't expect to see him in game action "anytime soon."

The Royals were in on Anthony Santander in free agency for their outfield, but lost out to the Toronto Blue Jays. They may revisit the Marte situation before long.

Marte had a slash line of .269/.388/.715 last year with seven home runs, 40 RBI and 16 stolen bases and an OPS of .715. Through his 13 year career, he owns a .286 average, .768 OPS along with 154 HR and 354 SBs. He has a 115 OPS+.