NY Mets have big problems if re-signing Starling Marte is necessary for harmony

Starling Marte had a productive year for the New York Mets in his limited role. Appearing in 98 games, more due to proper planning rather than injuries this time, he hit .270/.335/.410 with 9 home runs. As a right-handed DH, the Mets could have done worse. However, he actually hit about as well versus right-handed pitchers as he did lefties.

Marte even got into the field a couple of times. As much as it may feel like he was a DH often in 2024, there were only 8 games started by him at the bat-only spot in the lineup. It reversed in 2025. He started 8 games in the outfield.

Assumed gone after his contract ran out, compliments about the way he handled the clubhouse, specifically with how he helped Juan Soto open up, have led many recent Mets stories in early October. It’s great to see some positive news coming from the Mets. However, if Marte was such essential glue, the team is in trouble if re-signing him is suddenly essential to their future success.

The Mets can’t make roster decisions based on who’s a good guy

Marte’s Mets impact behind the scenes hasn’t been discussed much. In 2022, the room was full of veterans. Marte was a newcomer to an already established roster. In 2023, the locker room was questioned by the media as “feeling off” with Tommy Pham offering some more specific insight that was never fully clarified in terms of which individuals he felt deserved the criticism.

The theme throughout 2024 was how players like J.D. Martinez and Jose Iglesias helped improve the culture. Finally in 2025, Marte was getting credit for being a positive influence behind the scenes. Had something changed with him or where there enough chefs to make the stew?

A player’s influence on his teammates shouldn’t be understated. However, the Mets don’t need to start handing out roster spots to players with as many limitations as Marte. 

Injury prone throughout his stay in Queens, a new contract would immediately have the team scrambling to find another player to replace him on the active roster. What’s more, with unsatisfying results throughout his stay with the Mets, Marte could become a DFA candidate somewhere along the lines. Any of the good vibrations sent out by having Marte back drown out the moment he’s cut from the roster. You’re setting yourself up for failure.

If Marte isn’t in the starting lineup, which he wasn’t for long periods of time this past season, there really isn’t much room for him as an active player. The Mets preach defense. Anyone coming off the bench should be able to play the field or run a little more than Marte did this past year. Finally in his age 36 season he showed signs of slowing down. His sprint speed matched catchers Luis Torrens and Hayden Senger.

Good guys in the locker room are a must, but you don’t design a team around Nobel Peace Prize winners. The Mets seem to have done a good job staying away from the bad apples. Marte’s exit will have him looking like one of the good ones. As a player, it’s time to move onto someone who gives them a better chance to win games.