The Mets have been exploring ways to reshape their roster ahead of the 2025 season, and one of the names at the center of trade discussions is veteran outfielder Starling Marte. According to Pat Ragazzo of Sports Illustrated, the Mets have held talks with the Kansas City Royals about dealing Marte in exchange for right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey.
“The Mets discussed trading Marte to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for right-handed relief pitcher Hunter Harvey around the time of the December Winter Meetings in Dallas, as sources told Mets On SI.”
Marte’s Declining Production
Marte, 36, is coming off a rough 2024 campaign, which was derailed by injuries and inconsistent play. In 109 games, he slashed .269/.327/.388, hitting just seven home runs and driving in 40 runs. His strikeout rate ticked up to 21.9%, while his power seemed to evaporate entirely with a.119 isolated power. Despite his struggles, Marte still brings speed and defensive versatility, swiping 16 bases and covering ground in the outfield.
The Mets, however, seem ready to move on from Marte, who is owed $19 million in the final year of his contract. His declining offensive metrics and recent health concerns have made him more of a liability than an asset, leading New York to explore opportunities to shed his salary while potentially upgrading their bullpen.
A Bullpen Boost in Hunter Harvey
The potential return for Marte, right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey, represents a significant shift in priorities for the Mets. Harvey, 30, is coming off a down season with the Nationals and Royals, where he posted a 4.44 ERA over 60 innings with a 9.77 strikeouts per nine rate. His 97 mph fastball and effective curveball make him a reliable late-inning option, and his ability to handle high-leverage situations would strengthen a Mets bullpen that struggled with consistency in 2024.
For the Royals, Marte could offer a veteran presence and a potential offensive resurgence. Kansas City isn’t exactly brimming with outfield depth, and Marte, if healthy, could provide a steadying influence and a much-needed boost to their lineup.
Mets Looking to Clear Salary
The Mets’ motivation for trading Marte isn’t just about adding Harvey; it’s also about clearing the $19 million owed to Marte from their books. New York has been vocal about its desire to stay flexible financially, especially after a disappointing 2024 season that saw them fall short of expectations. Moving Marte would free up space for other additions, potentially bolstering their bullpen further or addressing other roster holes.
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Marte’s trade value isn’t what it once was, but for a team like the Royals, who could use a veteran outfielder, the fit makes sense. Meanwhile, the Mets would gain a valuable bullpen piece and some much-needed financial flexibility heading into the new season. While, this deal seems to be long in the past, there’s always a possibility they pick things up where they left off and find a compromise.