Starling Marte Could Be X-Factor For Mets Offense In 2023
Mets outfielder Starling Marte had a successful first season in Queens after signing a four-year, $78 million deal in the 2021-22 offseason.
This year, he will look to build off that and again be a key contributor to the team's offense.
In 118 games last year, Marte was worth 3.0 fWAR, and had a .292/.347/.468 triple slash to go along with a 136 wRC+ and .355 wOBA.
The Mets really felt his absence in September and October to finish off the regular season after he suffered a fractured finger in a late season matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Marte did return for the postseason, but wasn't 100 percent, and then underwent core surgery in the winter.
The 34-year-old seems to be A-OK now, as he logged a .924 OPS this spring (11-for-32).
With the Mets essentially running back the same offense as 2022 (except for catcher Omar Narvaez replacing James McCann), Marte's presence will be a major factor in the team's success.
When it looked like the Mets were going to sign infielder Carlos Correa, it seemed as though New York found their missing link.
Since that deal ultimately fell through, the incumbent members of the Mets will have to step up, at least until the trade deadline.
Marte brings a lot to the table, as the Mets saw after he got hurt in September of last year. The veteran can muscle up and hit for some power, can swipe some bases and has respectable on-base potential.
If the Mets have Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil firing on all cylinders, having a healthy Marte back in the fold would be huge for New York's offense, especially in the first half of the season.
Read More:
- Brett Baty, Mark Vientos Will Not Make Opening Day Roster
- Mets Sign Right-Hander Dylan Bundy to Minor League Deal
- Mets Owner Steve Cohen Talks Edwin Diaz Replacement Plan
Follow Rob Piersall on Twitter (@RTPiersall), be sure to bookmark Inside The Mets and check back daily for news, analysis and more.
