Spring training is underway, and while the New York Mets have been relatively quiet in February, they made a savvy move by signing Mike Tauchman to a minor league deal with an invite to camp. Tauchman, who impressed with the Chicago White Sox last season, seems to have slipped under the radar for many teams.
This move raises questions about Starling Marte's future. Over the past three seasons, Tauchman has outperformed Marte both offensively and defensively. If Marte wants to continue playing, he might have to settle for a minor league contract himself.
From 2023 to 2025, Tauchman posted a .255/.359/.381 slash line, accumulating 5.2 bWAR over 310 games. In contrast, Marte, despite earning a higher salary, managed a .262/.321/.373 line with only 1 bWAR, largely thanks to his 2025 performance.
Marte isn't the only former Met facing uncertainty. Michael Conforto struggled with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Jesse Winker's return to the Mets was marred by injuries. Winker, more suited as a DH than an outfielder, is unlikely to secure a deal better than Tauchman's minor league contract.
Marte's situation is particularly tough. Despite a decent performance last year, his declining speed, power, and fielding abilities are concerning. While he's valued as a locker room presence, that's typically a role for coaches.
Spotrac estimates Marte's market value at $7.8 million, but that figure might be optimistic. Comparisons to contracts of players like J.D. Martinez and Edwin Encarnacion suggest a range of $5-12 million, yet the current market doesn't seem to favor such deals for Marte.
The landscape of MLB free agency is shifting, and players like Marte, who might have commanded higher offers in previous years, are finding the market less forgiving this season.