One of the toughest things to do in sports is readjust to a diminished role as a veteran player, but that’s exactly what the New York Mets’ Starling Marte did this year.
Once a speedy two-time All-Star right fielder, Marte was mostly a platoon-only designated hitter this year. He’s no longer got much range in the outfield, and the Mets have Juan Soto locked in as their starter in right for the foreseeable future, but Marte can still do damage against left-handed pitching.
Marte, who will be 37 next season, just finished up a four-year, $78 million contract. He’s unlikely to get a lucrative multi-year deal this winter, but he had a strong enough year that someone should be willing to sign him to a guaranteed contract.
But will that team be the Mets? Although the fit was a little awkward this season, it was clear that Marte provided a valuable presence in the clubhouse, especially when it came to helping Soto feel more comfortable in his new surroundings.
In a recent interview, Marte also told Will Sammon of The Athletic that he wants to remain a Met, if the team will have him.
“Only God knows, but with continued good health, I’d love to have the opportunity to play at least three or four more years, and continue to be part of this team and continue to help the young guys grow,” Marte said, per Sammon.
A .270/.335/.410 slash line isn’t necessarily what a team looks for from the DH role, but the Mets could bring in a more powerful lefty to counteract Marte’s diminishing pop, or even start giving Soto more games at DH.
There’s also a case to be made that Soto’s endorsement of Marte should play a role in the Mets’ decision to bring him back. In fact, Soto seems to be making it clear that he’d love to see Marte back in the clubhouse.
“He’s a different character,” Soto said, per Sammon. “He is always happy. He is always willing to help everybody in this clubhouse. Since I got here, he has put me under his wing. He’s been helping me. Teaching me. Showing me a lot of things about how we do things over here, the Mets way.”
The Mets have plenty of questions to answer about their clubhouse culture this winter, but they may choose to prioritize keeping Marte around as part of the solution.