WATCH: Mets outfielder Starling Marte launches 150th home run of MLB career
It's been a relatively slow start to the season for Starling Marte and the New York Mets, however, the veteran has begun to heat up at the plate. On Wednesday, the two-time Gold Glove Award winner made a statement with his bat, crushing the 150th home run of his MLB career against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"150 career home runs for Starling Marte!" - @SNY_Mets
Starling Marte's milestone home run was the third of the season for the two-time All-Star, while also giving the New York Mets a 2-1 lead over the Pirates. The fact that Marte has been heating up has helped the Mets climb out of the early hole they put themselves in to start the season.
The Mets had a 9-8 record heading into Wednesday's action against the Pirates, however, they entered the game riding the momentum of a 7-3 record over their past 10 games. If New York is going to make some noise this season, they will not only need Marte to keep things rolling but a number of their veteran stars.
If the New York Mets are going to succeed this season, they will need the likes of Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Starling Marte, and Jeff McNeil to step up for the club. If they are unable to separate themselves from the bottom of the league by the time summer rolls around, there could be a major roster overhaul at the trade deadline.
Starling Marte could find himself drawing interest at the trade deadline
As mentioned above, if the New York Mets find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, several of their veteran stars could draw interest around the league. Marte could be one of those players given the fact that he is 35 years old and the Mets are looking to get younger, as well as his hefty yearly salary.
"Are the Mets likelier to buy or sell at the trade deadline? Might Corbin Burnes and David Stearns reunite next offseason? Fascinating time in Queens." - @PaulHembo
Marte has one year remaining on his contract beyond the 2024 season. This could make him a tempting target for contending teams because he will not be viewed as a rental player. The New York Mets will be one of the teams to watch as the trade deadline approaches this summer.