1 permanent NY Mets lineup change they need to make

Before Google Maps and Waze took over, riding shotgun came with actual responsibility. You weren’t just picking the music, you were reading a paper map, guessing at exits, and shouting “Turn here!” three seconds too late. That’s the kind of pressure the New York Mets have put on Starling Marte in the middle of the lineup. He’s still a trusted passenger, still someone you want in the car, but lately, he’s had trouble steering through traffic in the cleanup or five-hole. No one’s suggesting they pull over and leave him behind. Just maybe it’s time to let someone else take the front seat.

Starling Marte isn’t an everyday starter right now, and that’s not an insult, it’s just where things stand.

His recent increase in playing time has more to do with Jose Siri’s injury than any resurgence at the plate. In limited action, Marte has struggled to find a rhythm, hitting just .173 with a .617 OPS through 52 at-bats. And when he’s been placed in the heart of the order, specifically the 4 and 5 spots, it hasn’t helped. In those roles, he managed just three hits in 36 at-bats, and while two of them have gone for extra bases, they’ve been the exception in a stretch featuring seven strikeouts and minimal impact. It’s a small sample, yes, but there’s nothing in it suggesting that’s where he needs to stay.

The good news is that a fix doesn’t require anything drastic. If Marte is going to be in the lineup, hitting sixth feels like a far better fit. In that spot this season, he’s gone 5-for-12 with a .417 average and a 1.033 OPS. Yes, it’s a small sample, but last year, he posted a .304 average and a .853 OPS over 54 at-bats when batting sixth. It’s a logical place to start, and if other guys in the bottom half of the lineup begin to heat up, it could push him further down. But for now, it’s the best way to get the most out of him without overloading the pressure.

This move isn’t about cutting ties, it’s about putting Marte in the best position to contribute without the added pressure of the middle of the order. The Mets need someone who can produce in that spot, and Marte’s recent struggles suggest it might be time to try something different. Batting sixth has worked for him in the past, and it seems like a good place to start. It’s a small adjustment, but one that could give the Mets a better chance to get consistent production out of the lineup and keep things clicking.