The Mets aren’t the only team interested in Starling Marte.
While the Mets have talked to the Pirates about a potential trade for the outfielder, they’ll have competition as MLB Network reports the Padres are expressing interest in the 31-year-old right-handed bat.
Marte is due $11.5 million next season and has a $12.5 million club option for 2021 which includes a $2 million buyout.
The Post’s Mike Puma reported the Mets spoke to Pittsburgh about a potential Marte deal involving Brandon Nimmo, but that it’d take a “killer” package because of the salary difference. Nimmo, arbitration-eligible for the first time, is projected to earn $1.7 million next year. Offloading Jed Lowrie and the $9 million he’s due in 2020 could help offset money.
But Lowrie could also potentially be packaged with a starting pitcher now that the Mets agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with Rick Porcello, a day after agreeing to a one-year deal with Michael Wacha.
Marte slashed .295/.342/.503 with 23 homers, 82 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in 132 games last season.
Read “Mets have competition in their Starling Marte pursuit” at New York Post
