Mets and Pirates Reportedly Re-Engage in Trade Talks for Starling Marte
By Karl Rasmussen
The New York Mets are looking to make a move to bolster the outfield ahead of the 2020 season, and one name that's been floated as a likely target for Brodie Van Wagenen and Co. is Pirates outfielder Starling Marte.
With the change in management in Pittsburgh, the Buccos are expected to make multiple assets available, including Marte. Robert Murray of The Athletic reported Saturday that the teams have reopened their discussions for the 31-year-old.
#Mets and #Pirates recently reopened Starling Marte trade talks, sources said. A deal is not believed to be close at this time. #DBacks were among teams interested earlier this offseason.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 19, 2020
Murray also noted that the Diamondbacks were reportedly engaging in discussions for Marte earlier in the offseason, though those talks seem to have cooled.
While no deal seems to be close, the Mets' interest in Marte has not ceased throughout the winter.
In 2019, Marte slashed .295/.342/.503 with 23 home runs, 82 RBI and 25 stolen bases. The one-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner would be an instant upgrade in the Mets' outfield, and could also be inserted into the top of the lineup.
The Mets have reportedly reopened trade talks with the Pirates over Starling Marte https://t.co/QjMsNUpZdz pic.twitter.com/fhW06j7Od0
— SNY (@SNYtv) January 19, 2020
Brandon Nimmo has been frequently mentioned in trade talks between the two teams in the past, though the Mets were hesitant to include him in a deal.
These discussions will likely continue to gain steam as spring training nears, though nothing is imminent of yet.