With fewer than seven days remaining before the MLB trade deadline, the New York Mets are pursuing additions, but veteran outfielder Starling Marte has also attracted attention from other teams. Multiple clubs have inquired about Marte, who is in the final season of a four-year, $78 million contract, as they look for cost-effective roster upgrades.
According to reports by Mike Puma of the New York Post and SI’s Pat Ragazzo, rival teams regard Marte as a valuable right-handed bat who could improve their bench without demanding high prospect capital.
Can confirm teams have been asking the Mets about Starling Marte as @NYPost_Mets said Have heard rival teams view him as a lower prospect cost RH bat off the bench— Pat Ragazzo (@ragazzoreport) July 25, 2025
Marte’s 2025 Performance and Role with the Mets
At 36 years old, Marte has posted a .275 batting average with a .356 on-base percentage and a .395 slugging mark, tallying four home runs and 20 RBIs over 59 games in 2025. Though a former Gold Glove winner, this season has seen him primarily assigned as a designated hitter in a platoon role, stepping into outfield positions for only a handful of games.
Before experiencing knee issues, Marte had been among the Mets’ more consistent offensive contributors, especially after Jesse Winker’s sidelining early in May. During a hot streak from June 5 to July 7, Marte batted an impressive .349 with a .391 on-base percentage, producing timely hits and scoring seven runs in 17 contests.
Despite his offensive value, the Mets have limited his defensive workload due to knee discomfort that arose while playing the outfield, prompting a cautious approach to his fielding duties.
Impact of Injuries on Mets’ Designated Hitter Setup
Jesse Winker, traditionally occupying the left-handed side of the team’s designated hitter platoon, has been largely unavailable in 2025 because of an oblique strain and a recent back injury. This absence has led to Marte splitting DH duties with Mark Vientos, another right-hander, keeping the lineup balanced but also complicating roster decisions.
Contract Considerations Versus Leadership and Production
Marte’s contract represents a significant investment for a part-time player, raising questions about the Mets’ willingness to trade him despite the potential salary relief. His leadership role within the clubhouse adds intangible value, making it unclear if New York will move forward with a trade even if it means shedding salary.
The Mets face a balancing act between maintaining depth and managing payroll as the trade deadline nears, with Marte’s status as a veteran contributor at the center of these discussions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is starling marte hurt?
A. Starling Marte has returned to play for the Mets. The team brought back their designated hitter and outfielder on Tuesday. He was out for two weeks because of a bruised right knee. Manager Carlos Mendoza stated before Tuesday’s game with the Los Angeles Angels at Citi Field that the team performs better when Marte is healthy.
Q. Why does Starling Marte wear a Mickey Mouse chain?
A. After his mother died when he was 9, she took care of him. Marte wears a Mickey Mouse necklace to fight sadness. The necklace helps him feel happier.
Q. How many steals does Starling Marte have?
A. Cuckoo-Loca is seen often in the series Mickey Mouse Funhouse. She initially showed up in “Mickey the Brave!” as the innkeeper of a village. The village faced trouble due to a friendly yet naive dragon.
Q. Why is Starling Marte not playing?
A. Starling Marte’s right knee acted up again during his final at-bat in Sunday’s game against the Yankees. He is now having tests to see how serious the injury is, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Mendoza also mentioned that this is the same knee Marte had problems with during last year’s spring training.