Mets Trade Rumors: Starling Marte’s name is back in the whispers

According to recent New York Mets trade rumors, talks with the Pittsburgh Pirates for outfielder Starling Marte have resumed.

New York Mets trade rumors involving Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte have reportedly resumed. We can guess the Carlos Beltran situation may have been somewhat of a distraction for Brodie Van Wagenen over the last few weeks when the Mets have made minimal moves.

Nothing is imminent. Nothing has also changed. Finding a spot for Marte on this roster would likely mean someone else is moved off the MLB roster in the deal or in a separate trade. Mets trade rumors have been otherwise silent in 2020, giving me the creeping feeling the roster will change very little by Opening Day.

The Mets already landed Jake Marisnick in a trade with the Houston Astros earlier this offseason. Although an obvious bench piece, the acquisition of Marte would push another expected starter to the dugout on a regular basis.

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Uncertainty with Yoenis Cespedes’ future together with a need for what we’ve been calling a “true center fielder” has helped these Mets trade rumors swing back around. I almost wouldn’t be surprised if this is merely a PR leak to convince upset fans they’re still looking to improve the roster. Then by not making any trade at all, they can please both sides.

As I wrote previously, it feels like the Mets need to make two moves in order to complete one. This is mostly true with free agency as they have very little wiggle room with minor league options. The lone position player I could see getting demoted is Luis Guillorme. From the pitching staff, Robert Gsellman is the man.

This lack of flexibility is an underrated challenge the Mets will face even if Marte joins the team.

The biggest question involving these Mets trade rumors with the Pirates is exactly what it is Pittsburgh would want. We can speculate until the cows come home. I would imagine minor leaguers would entice them far more considering their lack of a win-now status.

Let’s not forget this is a team that has traded an MVP of theirs (Andrew McCutchen) and a guy who became one of the most dominant pitchers in the game (Gerrit Cole) over the past few seasons. The dynamic Josh Bell could be out soon, too.

Yet another consideration holding the Mets back is how close they are to the luxury tax. The Mets may be hopeful they can move Jed Lowrie in a deal paired with Dominic Smith. This could alleviate their roster crunch and free up some salary to fit Marte.

Next. Pirates may prefer prospects over Brandon Nimmo

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As with anything in life, seeing is being alive. Until Marte’s wearing orange and blue instead of black and yellow, these whispers will continue. The longer they do, the less they look like they’ll come true.

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