Mets Trade Rumors: A trade for Starling Marte seems very unlikely

Recent New York Mets trade rumors have practically put an end to the idea of seeing Starling Marte call Flushing home in 2020.

The latest New York Mets trade rumors haven’t exactly put a nail in the coffin for a potential trade involving Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte. However, they sure have made it feel very unlikely that he’ll call Flushing home in 2020.

Mets General Manager Brodie Van Wagenen hinted as much when saying he didn’t want to “disrupt” the existing “chemistry” with the team at the moment. In other words, now is not the time for him to do something drastic.

All winter long, Marte’s name has appeared in Mets trade rumors. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. On paper, he’s a perfect match for the Mets.

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Marte has two years of control left, a modest contract, and a right-handed bat that would fit in well with this team. He can hit anywhere one through six and contribute.

Way back in October when we didn’t yet have any idea who would manage this team, what uniform Zack Wheeler would wear, or how the heck the 2017 Houston Astros hit so well, I took a look at why the Mets needed to talk to the Pirates about Marte. It seemed to make sense at the time. Now, I’m not so sure.

The Mets roster has changed quite a bit since. Yoenis Cespedes should return at some point. The team also has Jake Marisnick around as a respectable fifth outfielder.

Marisnick’s presence shouldn’t stop them from upgrading with a guy like Marte. The inability to make any room on the MLB roster is what I feel is holding them back most.

As far as Mets trade rumors go, one of the hold-ups is that the two teams are reportedly “far apart” in what they believe would be a fair deal. There have been a variety of Mets trade rumors naming some combination of Brandon Nimmo and prospects. How the front office feels about the happiest man in baseball will likely either put an end to these trade negotiations or push them forward.

It’s not as if the Mets are the only team hoping to land Marte. The San Diego Padres are in the mix as well, but he’s possibly a second choice behind former MVP Mookie Betts. If they’re lucky, they’re able to get Betts for a reasonable price.

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If we’re luckier, they keep him warm for us in 2020 before he returns to the East Coast and becomes the first big splash by new owner Steve Cohen.