The 10 worst contracts for players in the National League East right now

6) Worst Contract in the NL East: Starling Marte

It did feel like the moment Starling Marte signed with the Mets this had the potential to age poorly. At least the first two years would go well, right? 

Marte took home $15.75 million last season in a year where he represented the team in the All-Star Game. Things were going well even if he was plugged into a corner outfield spot instead of center field. An injury late in the season followed by offseason surgery delivered a bad omen of what was to come. The remainder of Marte’s contract pays him $20.75 million each year through 2025. The first of his $20+ million seasons hasn’t gone well with many of the same injuries and new ones constantly popping up.

Other than increasing stolen bases and that’s because of rule changes, everything about Marte’s performance declined in 2023. The power is all but gone. It hasn’t even become a case of home runs turning into doubles. Marte was a singles hitter this year who, unfortunately, couldn’t even find enough of those.

Marte isn’t completely cooked so there is a chance to redeem himself next year. Luckily for the Mets, it’s also only two more seasons. When the next contract ends, Marte will be long-retired. How will it have aged?