Starling Marte sounds ready to step right up and meet the Mets.
The Pirates center fielder has been the subject of trade rumors, linked especially with the center field-needy Mets. He seems to be on board with that idea.
“The Mets are in position to do that [ready to compete right now on a World Series] and it will be an honor to play with them,” Marte told Deportivo Z 101. “If it doesn’t happen, I will keep working hard and giving my team all I have.”
The rebuilding Pirates have a new general manager in Ben Cherington, who will need to decide how to move forward with Marte. The 31-year-old has two years left on his contract at $11.5 million in 2020 and a $12.5 million club option for 2021.
Marte hit .295 with an .845 OPS and 25 steals last season. He was an All-Star in 2016 but was suspended 80 games for PEDs in 2017.
The Mets have plenty of corner outfield options but could use a true center fielder. Last year they played Brandon Nimmo and Michael Conforto there.
Read “Starling Marte would be honored to play for Mets” at New York Post
