Trade talks involving All-Star outfielder Starling Marte are be heating up. However, New York Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen seemed to throw cold water on the idea of the Mets acquiring Marte.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Van Wagenen indicated that he doesn’t see the team acquiring an outfielder that would factor into the team’s outfield mix for the 2020 season.
The Mets have been connected to Marte frequently. However, Van Wagenen seems prepared to head into spring training with his current group of outfielders after acquiring center fielder Jake Marisnick during the winter.
While Marte has taken a step back defensively, he remains a very productive player at the plate and on the bases. He posted a .295/.342/.503 slash line with 23 home runs and 25 steals during the 2019 season. Marte is owed is $11.5 million for the upcoming season with a $12.5 million team option for 2021, which carries a $2 million buyout if it is declined.
If the Mets are out on Marte, it could clear the way for teams like the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks to get involved. Both teams are emerging as potential contenders in 2020 and landing Marte would make the NL West even more competitive.