There have been several developments involving the Mets today at the Winter Meetings, despite the fact that they haven’t made a significant move since signing Juan Soto on Sunday night.
The Mets are willing to trade outfielder Starling Marte for relief pitching, according to a report that first appeared via Sports Illustrated. In 2024, Marte, who was in the last year of his Mets deal and into his 36th season, was hindered by injuries and deteriorating defensive skills, hitting.269/.327/.388 with an OPS+ of 104.
Marte seems destined to receive a significant portion of the designated hitter at-bats if he stays with the organization, as Soto is expected to play right field for the Mets. Given Marte’s availability, the Mets may decide to upgrade their DH this offseason or move Mark Vientos to a position that requires both a first and a third baseman.
The Mets spoke with Nick Pivetta, to whom they were connected over the weekend, according to reports as well. Pivetta has been an inconsistent pitcher with both starting and relief experience. He declined a qualifying offer from the Red Sox earlier this winter, so if he signs, the Mets would have to pay a draft pick. Pivetta is not a top-of-the-rotation option, despite the fact that his numbers have significantly improved since moving to Boston (78 ERA+ for the Phillies, 103 ERA+ for the Sox). However, he exemplifies the kind of deals David Stearns is known to make, searching for players who could benefit from a tweak or adjustment or for reclamation projects.
In a transaction that included catcher Kyle Teel and other prospects heading to the White Sox, Garrett Crochet, a top-of-the-rotation starter that the Mets were in talks to acquire, looks to be moving to the aforementioned Red Sox.
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