2 upcoming NY Mets free agents we already want to extend, 3 we are ready to let walk

Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets | Al Bello/GettyImages
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We are ready to let Starling Marte walk

Starling Marte signed a four-year, $78 million free agent contract with the Mets in 2022. He was brought in to solve our problem of finding an everyday center fielder. There was only one problem, Marte had lost a step, and center field was no longer going to be an everyday option for him. Marte was moved over to right field and had an excellent year, hitting .292 and representing the Mets at the 2022 All-Star game.

Suddenly, health started to become an issue for Starling Marte in 2023. He had double groin surgery during the offseason. He missed games in April with a neck strain and was placed on the IL. He returned to the IL in July and August due to migraines and finished the season early after suffering yet another groin injury. In 86 games Marte only batted .248 with 5 home runs and 28 RBIs. Things didn’t get much better in the following year.

At this point of his career, Starling Marte had become not much more than a part time player. The best he could offer the team today is to be a pinch hitter and an occasional designated hitter. We appreciate all of the contributions he has made to the success of the NY Mets. We love you, Starling Marte, and we wish you the best, but it might be time to hang up the spikes.