Every season, contenders face the tricky situation of dealing with aging players on hefty contracts. The Yankees are going through it with Marcus Stroman, and across town, the New York Mets are in a similar bind with Starling Marte.
A Shadow of His Prime
Marte was once a dynamic force—blazing speed, solid defense, and a reliable bat. But Father Time is undefeated, and at 36, he’s not the same electrifying player he once was. While he still brings value, expecting him to outrun time is unrealistic. Last season, he managed seven home runs, 16 stolen bases, and a respectable 104 wRC+, proving he can still contribute at the plate, even if his defensive prowess and base-stealing threat have dwindled.