Starling Marte DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Mets outfielder/designated hitter Starling Marte (knee) is scheduled to play right field in a Grapefruit League game on Friday for the first time this spring, according to MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. Marte is expected to be the Opening Day DH against a left-handed pitcher, but his ability to play the outfield is still important to him. Marte got a late start to spring action due to a bone bruise in his right knee, but he's now been cleared to start playing some defense. The 36-year-old Dominican veteran has gone 3-for-14 with a double and six strikeouts in five Grapefruit League games entering Friday's action. Most of Marte's plate appearances in his 14th year in the big leagues in 2025 should come at DH. At this point in his career, there's little fantasy upside because of his injury risk and the fact that he's unlikely to run much.

New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte (knee) is serving as the designated hitter and batting sixth on Monday in the Grapefruit League game against the St. Louis Cardinals. It is the spring training debut for the aging Marte, who hadn't played until this point due to soreness in his right knee. If the 36-year-old can avoid setbacks and also return to action on defense in right field, he should be able to avoid starting the 2025 regular season on the injured list. Still, it's a reminder to fantasy managers that Marte is an extreme injury risk in the twilight of his career and can't be counted on as a speed threat anymore. To preserve his health, the Mets are expected to give Marte plenty of built in rest days, which means he won't be a regular anymore after the team signed superstar outfielder Juan Soto this offseason as the everyday right fielder. Expect a short-side platoon for Marte with Jesse Winker in center field.UPDATE: Marte was happy with how his knee felt on Monday in his spring debut and didn't have trouble running to second on a double he hit in the second inning.

The New York Post's Joel Sherman writes that the Kansas City Royals made a push to acquire outfielder Starling Marte from the New York Mets in the winter, but the two sides couldn't come to an agreement after the Mets asked for a reliever such as Hunter Harvey or Angel Zerpa. While Marte remains with the Mets, Sherman says that the Royals haven't completely given up on the possibility of trading for Marte. The 36-year-old is near the end of his career and has battled injuries in recent seasons, including right-knee soreness this spring, but he'd be a nice veteran presence for a young Royals club that surprisingly made the playoffs last fall. At this point, regardless of where he's playing, Marte probably won't be an everyday player after suiting up for a combined 180 games the last two years for the Mets. Both his power and speed numbers are dwindling in the twilight of his career.