Starling Marte says Mets were attempting to trade him

The New York Mets made their intentions clear with their incumbent right-fielder during and after their pursuit of Juan Soto this off-season.

While speaking to the media on Sunday, Starling Marte said that the Mets told him they would try to trade him at multiple points throughout the winter.

"They spoke to me before the signing, and then after the signing they reiterated that they would try to move me," Marte told SNY through a translator. "At the end of the day, they were very clear, very honest with me, up front.

"They obviously want the best for this team, but also the best for my future. They were really helpful and really transparent about the situation there."

The 13-year MLB veteran was an All-Star in 2016 and 2022 and won a Gold Glove Award in 2015 and 2016. But his production has declined in recent seasons, including hitting for a .269/.327/.388 slash line with seven home runs and 40 RBIs in 2024.

Marte played in 94 games for the Mets last season, 84 of which came in right field. He missed nearly two months of the season due to a bone bruise he sustained on his right knee during a series against the Washington Nationals in June.

The 36-year-old from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, did make significant contributions during the Mets run to the National League Championship Series, slashing an improved .333/.357/.481 and driving in four runs.

With the addition of a generational talent in Soto for a record price at the same position, it stands to reason that Marte will see less playing time than last season. Although he will likely see some starts when Soto slots in at DH.

Despite the Mets' candidness about trying to ship him out, Marte isn't surprised that he stayed put.

"Why would I be surprised? If they wanted to trade me, they would have traded me," Marte said. "Obviously I'm here for a reason, if they wanted to trade me they would've gotten rid of me a long time ago."