NEW YORK — The New York Mets were one of the most active teams in free agency before the MLB lockout occurred. This past year, on December 2, MLB owners “locked out” the players union which ultimately forced a work stoppage within the sport. That’s where we currently remain today.
Rather than baseball fans being forced to deal strictly with the business side of the sport, today here at Latino Sports, we will introduce you to a new free-agent acquisition for the New York Mets: Starling Marte.
During this offseason, outfielder Marte agreed to terms of a four-year contract totaling $78 million with the New York Mets. Marte will be under contract with the team until and following the 2025 regular season. He has played in four professional organizations (Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, and Oakland Athletics) before signing with New York this offseason.
Marte is a durable outfielder who can play elite caliber defense as a left fielder and center fielder. The two-time Gold Glove winner, and one-time All-Star, displays his charismatic personality on the field through his consistent play. Currently, at 33 years old, Marte was the major league leader in stolen bases (47) this past season. He started the season with a Miami Marlins team until mid-July as he was traded to the Oakland Athletics who were in the midst of a postseason chase.
In 119 games played this season, Marte clipped a .383 OBP and 145 hits. The impact of a potential lineup starting with Starling Marte, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso can create early opportunities for the Mets’ offense.
In 2007, Marte began his professional baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. While working himself through Pittsburgh’s farm system, Marte proved to others that his talent was here to stay. He made his pro debut on July 26th, 2012 playing centerfield for the Pirates. Get this, in his first professional at-bat, Marte hit a home run sparking the start of his career.
Marte was born and raised in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He grew up with support from his mother as well as his grandmother. The city of Santo Domingo has brought up the best talents in baseball across several decades. Recently nominated first-ballot Hall of Famer Boston Red Sox David Ortiz “Big Papi”, Texas Rangers legend Adrian Beltre, and Washington Nationals superstar Juan Soto were all born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Trust me, there will be additional baseball stars who come from the city of Santo Domingo in the near future.
Overall, baseball is not only draining on the physical element for athletes but even more on the mental aspects of these individuals. For example, a star like Marte developed his skills in the minor leagues for nearly six years before getting promoted to the professionals. The waiting game and longevity in baseball is a major influence in driving youngsters away from the game.
My best guess is Starling Marte will be a trending favorite among Mets fans due to his determination and hard nose mentality. Marte is the type of ballplayer who is not afraid to give himself up for his team’s success. Throughout his career, he has compiled dozens of diving snags and wall grabbers that resulted in highlights of the year across Major League Baseball.
New York Mets fans have a lot to look forward to in learning about Starling Marte once the season begins.
You can follow the New York Mets, Starling Marte on Instagram and Twitter!
Instagram: @marte06
Twitter: @Starlingmart
Robert Rizzo Twitter @Drizzyrizz Instagram: Rrizzo4
