The New York Mets are charging into a new era with clear eyes and big ambitions. There's a renewed sense of purpose in Queens, a belief that the foundation being laid now could finally yield the kind of October success this fanbase has craved for decades. But as the front office pushes toward a more modern, data-driven roster, there’s one move that shouldn’t be overlooked-bringing back Starling Marte for one more year.
Yes, Marte is heading into his age-37 season. And no, he’s not the same electric athlete who once terrorized pitchers on the basepaths.
But if you’re only looking at his sprint speed percentile or his exit velocity trends, you’re missing the bigger picture. Marte’s value to the Mets isn’t just about what he does between the lines-it’s about what he means to the heartbeat of this clubhouse.
Marte’s Role Goes Beyond the Stat Sheet
David Stearns, the Mets' President of Baseball Operations, has built his reputation on smart, efficient roster construction. But even the sharpest minds in baseball know that chemistry can’t be quantified in a spreadsheet.
Come October, it’s often the intangibles-the glue guys, the veteran voices, the quiet leaders-who make the difference between a good team and a great one. Marte is that guy for the Mets.
He’s the connective tissue in a locker room that’s evolving fast. With a wave of new talent and big names arriving, Marte remains a steady presence, someone who bridges generations and cultures inside the clubhouse. That kind of leadership doesn’t show up in WAR, but it shows up when the pressure’s on and the moment gets big.
The Soto Connection Is Real-and Important
Let’s talk about Juan Soto. The Mets made a massive investment to bring in one of the game’s most dynamic hitters, and if they want to get the best version of him, keeping Marte around is more than just a nice gesture-it’s a smart business decision.
Soto and Marte share more than just an outfield-they share a bond. Marte has been a mentor, a confidant, and a stabilizing force for Soto, especially as he adjusts to the intensity of New York.
Soto has openly acknowledged how much more comfortable he feels with Marte by his side. And let’s be honest: a comfortable Juan Soto is a dangerous Juan Soto.
Re-signing Marte isn’t just about extending a veteran’s career-it’s about maximizing your franchise centerpiece’s performance. That’s a move any front office should be willing to make.
Leadership You Can’t Teach
Inside the Mets’ clubhouse, Marte isn’t just respected-he’s revered. He’s become a father figure to the younger Latin players, a calming presence during the inevitable ups and downs of a 162-game grind.
When things get rocky, he’s the guy teammates look to. That kind of leadership is hard to find, and even harder to replace.
For a team that’s trying to build something sustainable, losing that voice in the room would be a step backward. Especially with so many new faces trying to find their footing, Marte’s presence helps set the tone and keep the group aligned.
The Bat Still Plays
Now, if you’re wondering whether Marte can still produce-he can.
In 2025, he posted a 112 wRC+, meaning he was 12% better than the average big-league hitter. That’s not just passable-it’s productive.
He hit .270 with a .335 OBP, offering quality at-bats and a veteran approach that helps grind down opposing pitchers. He’s not going to carry the offense, but he doesn’t have to.
What he brings is consistency at the bottom of the lineup, and that’s a luxury for any manager.
Savvy Over Speed
Sure, the wheels aren’t what they used to be-he ranked in the 28th percentile in sprint speed last season-but Marte still knows how to run the bases. His instincts remain top-tier, allowing him to steal a bag or take an extra base when it counts. That’s the kind of subtle impact that doesn’t always make the highlight reel, but wins games.
Defensively, he’s settled into a more limited role. He posted 0 Outs Above Average in 2025-not spectacular, but not a liability either. He makes the routine plays, and that’s all you can really ask from a veteran corner outfielder at this stage.
The Verdict: Bring Him Back
Extending Marte on a one-year deal isn’t about sentimentality-it’s about strategy. He’s a leader, a mentor, a stabilizer, and yes, still a capable contributor on the field. For a team trying to build a championship-caliber culture, he checks every box.
The Mets are building something serious in 2026. Keeping Marte in the fold ensures that the team’s identity-its chemistry, its leadership, its cohesion-doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
Sometimes, the smartest move isn’t the flashiest one. Sometimes, it’s just keeping the right guy in the room.