Starling Marte accepting his new reality after Mets’ desire for trade
PORT ST. LUCIE — Starling Marte appreciates the transparency he received from the Mets as they essentially recruited over him this offseason.
The veteran outfielder on Sunday confirmed what The Post reported in January, that the Mets told him they would look to trade him after Juan Soto was signed to a 15-year contract worth $765 million.
“They spoke to me before the signing and then after the signing day they reiterated they would try to move me,” Marte said through an interpreter. “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.”
But a trade never materialized involving the 36-year-old Marte, who is owed $20.7 million for this season.
It has left Marte in a part-time DH role, as the team’s fifth or sixth outfielder.
Marte asked if he would have preferred a trade.
“Whenever you are with a team for the amount of time that I have been with the team you get comfortable,” Marte said. “You don’t want to get traded because of the relationships with the players, with the staff and with everybody around here.
“But at the same time any baseball player would love to play every single day because that’s how a player gets his reps. That is how players are able to get better day in and day out. But I am here and I am going to do the best I can.”
Marte is prepared for the possibility he still might get traded, but acknowledged that is beyond his control.
“In the meantime, I am here,” he said. “I am going to work as hard as possible. I’m going to come out there and compete. I am going to try to give the young guys good advice. I am going to try to be a positive impact in the clubhouse in whatever way.”
Pete Alonso is due to begin working out with the club Monday — the first day of full-squad sessions.
