One of the more intriguing storylines entering the upcoming season is the performance of Starling Marte. The New York Mets desperately need the previously injured and rapidly aging Marte to get closer to his 2022 form than the form he showcased during his disastrous 2023 season. For whatever it’s worth, the 35-year-old Marte has performed well in the Dominican Winter League thus far.
Marte had arguably his best night of winter ball on Saturday. He went 3-for-5, scoring a run, and stealing a base. Marte flashed that speed he so long has built his career upon laying down and beating out a bunt. Then, adding the aforementioned stolen base. His big Saturday night has pushed his Winter League OPS up to .884.
Marte getting back to anywhere near the player he was when he posted an .814 OPS in 2022 would go a far way in helping the Mets be competitive in 2024. Last season’s troublesome performance (.625 OPS), and injury struggles, before being shutdown to heal was one of the main reasons for New York’s underperformance in 2023.
Hopefully, he can continue his strong ways in the Winter League and use it to propel himself to a bounce-back 2024. Marte is under contract through 2025 at $19.5 million.
