Entering the 2025 MLB season, both the Kansas City Royals and New York Mets will have high expectations. Both teams made the playoffs as Wild Card entries in 2024, and it will be interesting to see what they do for an encore this coming season.
Recently, the Mets and Royals tried to make a trade involving outfielder Starling Marte. It makes sense for Kansas City, who has a weaker outfield, with a projected starting lineup including MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, and Hunter Renfroe.
Kansas City Royals Try To Trade for New York Mets Outfielder Starling Marte
With the Mets’ starting outfield consisting of Juan Soto, Brandon Nimmo, and Jose Siri, it’s understandable why New York might move off Marte. The Mets also have Jesse Winker on the roster, projected to be the designated hitter.
The New York Post reported that the two sides “have not totally extinguished the possibility” of a deal coming together.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see this happen. A deal for Marte would likely benefit both Kansas City and New York, although the Mets may not get much in return. For the Royals outfield, though, Marte would be a significant upgrade.
Last season with New York, Marte played in only 94 games due to injuries. Nevertheless, he finished with a .269 batting average, seven home runs, 40 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. He also had an on-base percentage of 32.7%.
What the Royals are missing is a right-handed hitter in the outfield. CBS Sports‘ Matt Snyder said, “The Royals’ outfield right now looks like some sort of mix of Hunter Renfroe, MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, Dairon Blanco, and Nelson Velázquez. Isbel and Melendez both hit left-handed. Surely there would be an opening for regular starts for Marte should a deal eventually happen.”
If the Royals were to acquire Marte, he would have only one year remaining on his contract. If the Mets could get a prospect back, that would be a good deal for New York.
If healthy, Marte would not be a daily player with New York but would likely play over 100 games if traded to Kansas City. His health would be the biggest concern, as he has played fewer than 100 games over the last two seasons.
