Mets Still Reportedly Interested in Pirates OF Starling Marte
By Mark Powell
Despite the Mets recent trade to acquire Houston Astros outfielder Jake Marisnick, Brodie Van Wagenen isn't done adding just yet.
Marisnick is typically viewed as a fourth outfielder type, meaning the Mets are still lacking a solid starting option. Thankfully, their discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates involving Starling Marte never really broke off, meaning they could still make such a splash.
The Mets are still in on Starling Marte. Would likely trade major league outfielder. Also working to find a taker for Jed Lowrie contract so they can sign a Porcello and/or Betances.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) December 11, 2019
Marte is a reliable outfield option, and at just 31 years old, he still has a few good seasons left in him. Marte posted a slash line of .295/.342/.503 with 23 homers and 82 RBIs last season to go along with a pedestrian 25 stolen bases. Combine that with the fact he's a reliable fielder at all thee outfield positions, and he'd clearly be a solid addition for New York.
However, the Pirates' ask could get in the way.
The Mets literally have three better outfielders than Starling Marte and that doesn’t even include McNeil https://t.co/0Eh523thBo
— Ryan Pladino (@NimmoIsElite) December 11, 2019
Pittsburgh's rebuild is under way under Ben Cherington, and Marte is their best trade chip. The Pirates need a solid return for the former All-Star, and Cherington has every right to play hardball in what's his first real test as GM.
While there's mutual interest, such a deal could take awhile to develop.