Mets 3-player blockbuster trade idea dumps $78 million two-time All-Star to Yankees image

What is the New York Mets’ plan for Starling Marte?

NY Mets: Starling Marte content with reduced role after trade rumors

Now that Juan Soto has arrived in Queens, Marte, who was the Mets’ starting right fielder in 2024, doesn’t have a clear path to playing time. It’s a good problem to have, but many would consider Marte’s contract too expensive to relegate to the bench.

A former two-time National League All-Star, Marte is entering the final season of a four-year, $78 million deal that will pay him $20.75 million in 2024. Currently, he projects as the designated hitter in lineups against left-handed pitching.

Marte is still a potentially useful hitter entering his age-36 season. Would any teams out there have more use for him than the Mets currently do?

On Monday, Athlon Sports’ Jake Elman proposed a mock trade that would ship Marte to the New York Yankees for pitching prospect Allen Facundo and catcher/first baseman Rafael Flores.

“If adding Marte to the lineup is the last piece needed to capture a second straight pennant, the Yankees must call their crosstown rivals in the coming weeks,” Elman wrote.

“Meanwhile, the Mets hypothetically acquire two intriguing prospects inching closer to the major leagues. Facundo went 1-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 30 innings last season at Single-A Tampa… Flores split the 2024 season between A+ and Double-A, hitting .279 with 21 home runs, 68 RBI, and an .875 OPS.”

The Yankees found out over the weekend that designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with significant pain in both elbows, which could put his status for Opening Day and even beyond in jeopardy.

If the Bronx Bombers are willing to take on any significant amount of Marte’s salary, or offer them intriguing prospects like those Elman proposes, the Mets would have to give serious thought to trading with their cross-town rivals.