Starling Marte not surprised that Mets haven't traded him

New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte opens up to the media about how he dealt with trade rumors this offseason.

Oct 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte (6) celebrates in the dugout after scoring on a double by outfielder Tyrone Taylor (not pictured) in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game two of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

On Saturday, the talk of New York Mets spring training in Port St. Lucie was the arrival of Juan Soto. But while one Mets outfielder arrived in style, another was being asked about the rumors of his potential departure.

Speaking to reporters from the Mets spring training clubhouse, Starling Marte answered some difficult questions about the ongoing trade rumors. One reporter asked Marte if he was surprised to still be with the Mets at spring training.

“Why would I be surprised?” Marte asked. If they wanted to trade me, they would've traded me. Obviously, I'm here for a reason. If they wanted to trade me, they would've gotten rid of me a long time ago."

Starling Marte was asked if he's "surprised" to still be with the Mets:

"Why would I be surprised? If they wanted to trade me, they would've traded me. Obviously, I'm here for a reason. If they wanted to trade me, they would've gotten rid of me a long time ago." pic.twitter.com/XfrY72fkww

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 16, 2025

Marte, 36, is in the final year of a four-year contract and is set to earn $19.5 million this season. Despite being a positive force in the clubhouse and at the plate, it’s a significant dollar amount for a player who will likely be a part-time outfielder and platooned at DH.

The veteran played in just 94 games last season, posting a slash line of .269/.327/.388 with seven home runs and 16 stolen bases. Marte missed time with injuries, which has been a trend in recent years: he hasn’t played in more than 120 games in a season since 2019. With the arrival of Soto, the Mets find themselves with a surplus of utility outfielders including Jesse Winker, Tyrone Taylor, Brandon Nimmo, Jose Siri, Jeff McNeil, and even potentially top prospect Jett Williams.

According to Pat Ragazzo of Mets On SI, the team did have a deal in place during the Winter Meetings for Kansas City Royals’ reliever Hunter Harvey. But the deal ultimately fell through and with the recent signings of Ryne Stanek and A.J. Minter, and Dedniel Núñez's return from injury, the Mets may no longer be looking for bullpen help.

Despite the Mets' efforts to trade him, Marte has been adamant about wanting to stay in Queens, even recently offering to play center field, a position he has only played three times in his three years with the team. The outfielder also had nothing but positive and professional things to say about the team's handling of this difficult situation.

Read More: Mets’ Starling Marte offered to play center; wants to stay in Queens

“Yeah, they talked to me before the signing and then after the signing they reiterated that they would try to move me,” Marte said through a Spanish interpreter. “They were very clear, very honest with me upfront. They obviously want the best for this team but also the best for my future. They were really helpful and really transparent about the situation.”

Starling Marte says that the Mets told him they would try to trade him in the offseason both before and after the Juan Soto signing.

Marte said the Mets were "really helpful" and "really transparent" about the situation. pic.twitter.com/yD7m0kbJfs

— SNY (@SNYtv) February 16, 2025

For now, Marte is a Met. His role isn’t exactly defined but he is willing to do what it takes to help the team. Unfortunately, in the business of baseball, that could mean helping the team by being traded. With six weeks until Opening Day, Marte being with the Mets to start the season is still far from a guarantee.