The New York Mets are entering a brave new era with championship aspirations that feel more tangible than they have in years, but in the rush to modernize the roster, they must be careful not to discard the soul of the clubhouse.
Starling Marte is entering his age-37 season, and while his physical tools are understandably eroding, his value to this specific iteration of the Mets goes far beyond what a spreadsheet can calculate. Extending him on a one-year deal for 2026 isn’t just about nostalgia; it is a strategic move to insulate the team’s biggest investments.
President of Baseball Operations David Stearns loves efficiency, but he also understands that chemistry wins games in October, and Marte is the catalyst that keeps the room together.
The Juan Soto Factor Cannot Be Overstated
If the Mets want to maximize their massive investment in Juan Soto, keeping his best friend and mentor in the dugout is a mandatory expense. Soto has openly spoken about the comfort level he feels when Marte is around, and having that familiar presence helps alleviate the immense pressure of playing in Queens.
You are not just paying for Marte’s production; you are paying for Soto’s peace of mind and happiness, which translates directly to on-field performance. Cutting Marte loose would be an unnecessary disruption to the ecosystem the Mets have worked so hard to build around their new superstar.
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The Unquestioned Leader of the Clubhouse
Beyond his relationship with Soto, Marte commands a level of respect in the locker room that few players in the league can match. He has served as a father figure to the younger Latin players and a steadying hand for the entire roster during the inevitable slumps of a 162-game season. Losing that voice creates a leadership vacuum that is difficult to fill, especially for a team with so many new faces trying to gel. In high-leverage moments, you need a veteran who has seen it all to keep the pulse of the team steady, and Marte provides that intangible stability every single day.
The Bat Is Still Surprisingly Potent
Critics will point to his age, but the numbers show a hitter who is still significantly better than the league average. In 2025, Marte posted a 112 wRC+, meaning he was 12% more productive than the average MLB hitter, proving that his hand-eye coordination remains elite even as his legs slow down. He finished the season with a solid .270 batting average and a .335 on-base percentage, offering the kind of professional at-bats that lengthen a lineup and wear down opposing pitchers.
Honorable Mentions: Savvy Over Speed
While he is no longer the speed demon he once was, ranking in the 28th percentile for sprint speed, Marte still possesses elite baserunning instincts that allow him to steal a bag or take an extra base when the defense sleeps.
Defensively, he has settled into a serviceable role; his range remains average with 0 Outs Above Average, meaning he won’t hurt you on routine plays. Bringing him back on a short-term deal is a low-risk move that maintains the team’s identity while providing a competent bat at the bottom of the order.
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