Starling Marte, outfielder for the New York Mets, has faced his fair share of injury setbacks.
His last nearly full season, close to 150 games, was back in 2019, when he participated in 132 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
However, in 2022, he was limited to 118 games, and in 2023, he played just 86 games due to leg and groin issues that required surgery.
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The 2023 season was particularly challenging for Marte, as his performance seemed affected, evident in his .625 OPS over the 86 games, likely hampered by his injury.
Nevertheless, recent reports suggest Marte is currently in good health, raising hopes for a potential rebound season.
Having participated in some winter ball games, Marte is now prepared to return to the field for the Mets.
Mets insider Anthony DiComo tweeted about Marte’s participation in the Grapefruit League game, marking his first game action in the United States since August 2023, following his appearance in 11 postseason Dominican winter ball games earlier in the year.
Marte is known for his dynamic playing style, though it often comes with injury risks.
If he remains healthy, Marte offers the Mets a valuable combination of power, speed (15-home run, 30-stolen base potential), solid defense in the outfield corners, and the versatility to cover center field when needed.
Having a player of Marte’s caliber is a significant asset for any team.
With Marte returning to form and the rest of the team performing at their best, the Mets have a chance to contend for a postseason spot in 2024.
However, it’s essential to keep expectations realistic, with the primary focus still on the long-term goal for the Mets in 2025.
Nonetheless, a healthy Marte could contribute significantly to any success the Mets achieve in the upcoming season.
