The New York Mets really need Starling Marte to be healthy in 2024. When he’s been healthy, Marte has been a good player who becomes an integral part of the offense and a solid defender. The veteran outfielder played in his fifth game for the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League on Wednesday night.
Marte was the designated hitter and batted second for the Leones del Escogido. He went 1-for-3 with two walks, an RBI, and a run scored.
The 35-year-old is now 5-for-17 (.294) with three walks, two RBIs, two runs scored, and a double (.782 OPS) in winter ball action this offseason. He had played right field twice, including the entire game at the position on Tuesday night. That was his first time in winter ball playing the entire game in the field.
Since September of 2022, Marte has been battling finger, leg, quad, and groin injuries. The veteran outfielder had groin surgery last offseason and never looked 100 percent in 2023. Marte hit just .248/.301/.324 and had a career-worst 73 OPS+ in 86 games for the Mets in 2023. That’s a far cry from the 132 OPS+ he posted on his way to being an All-Star for the Mets in 2022.
