The New York Mets reportedly are receiving a lot of calls about Starling Marte.
Bleacher Report posted that Jeff Passan is hearing a lot about the two-time Gold Glover. Marte, 36, is fresh off of a .269 season. If the Mets decide to move on from him, the Pittsburgh Pirates are a good fit to reunite with their former outfielder.
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The Pirates are in need of a corner outfielder after non-tendering Bryan De La Cruz. Marte is set to make $20.75 million in 2025, so the Pirates won’t be willing to take on his entire contract.
Here is a potential deal that could send Marte back to Pittsburgh:
- Pittsburgh Pirates acquire: Starling Marte (Mets retain 50% of Marte’s Salary)
- New York Mets acquire: Jack Brannigan (Pirates No. 14 prospect), Billy Cook (Pirates No. 22 prospect), Axiel Plaz (Pirates No. 30 prospect)
The Mets paying half of his salary allows the Pirates to add Plaz to the deal. Marte has just one year left on his contract, and while the return may seem to favor the Mets, the Pirates might be willing to cough up an extra prospect or two in order to avoid taking on the entire salary.
Manager Derek Shelton would have a decision to make on who to play in left field between Marte and Bryan Reynolds while sliding the other over to right field.
Marte played from 2012-19 in Pittsburgh, where he was a part of the three playoff teams. In the eight seasons he was with the Pirates, he won two Gold Gloves. His return would allow Pirates fans to see another familiar name.
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