Starling Marte accepting his new reality after Mets’ desire for trade

Starling Marte expressed gratitude for the honesty shown by the Mets as they made it clear they were looking to trade him after signing Juan Soto to a lucrative contract this offseason.

The veteran outfielder confirmed reports that the Mets informed him of their intentions to explore trade options following Soto’s signing of a 15-year deal worth $765 million.

“They spoke to me before the signing and then after the signing day they reiterated they would try to move me,” Marte said through an interpreter. “They were very clear, very honest with me up front. They obviously want the best for this team, but also the best for my future. They were really helpful and really transparent.”

Despite the discussions, a trade involving Marte, who is owed $20.7 million for this season, did not come to fruition.

As a result, Marte finds himself in a part-time DH role, serving as the team’s fifth or sixth outfielder.

When asked if he would have preferred a trade, Marte admitted, “Whenever you are with a team for the amount of time that I have been with the team you get comfortable. You don’t want to get traded because of the relationships with the players, with the staff and with everybody around here. But at the same time any baseball player would love to play every single day because that’s how a player gets his reps. That is how players are able to get better day in and day out. But I am here and I am going to do the best I can.”

Marte acknowledges the possibility of still being traded but understands it is beyond his control.

“In the meantime, I am here,” he said. “I am going to work as hard as possible. I’m going to come out there and compete. I am going to try to give the young guys good advice. I am going to try to be a positive impact in the clubhouse in whatever way.”

Pete Alonso is set to join the club for workouts on Monday, the first day of full-squad sessions.