The New York Mets have had one hell of a Black Friday. While other teams have been making minor deals or trying to lay the groundwork for a contract, Billy Eppler and company have been running up the credit card. Eduardo Escobar and Mark Canha had signed earlier in the day, adding versatility and professionalism to a roster that desperately needed both.
But the Mets were far from done. Just before midnight, they added one last purchase, signing Starling Marte to a four year deal worth $78 million.
Marte Mets deal is $78M, 4 years
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 27, 2021
New York Mets continue Black Friday shopping with Starling Marte
Marte had an excellent season in 2021 to drastically increase his earning potential. He posted a .310/.383/.458 batting line in his 526 plate appearances between the Marlins and A’s, hitting 12 homers and 27 doubles while stealing a major league leading 47 bases.
There is no question that the Mets needed a player such as Marte atop their lineup. He adds a dynamic element to the batting order, someone whose skill on the basepaths and ability to steal bases gives New York the ability to manufacture runs instead of relying upon the home run.
Reuniting Marte and Canha should provide the middle of the Mets order with plenty of chances. Both players are able to get on base seemingly at will, with one or the other likely on ahead of those powerful bats. The Mets lineup, even without any further additions, has gotten a lot more dangerous in the span of a few hours.
Marte will also solidify an area that was a bit of a revolving door last season. Due to injuries, the Mets were on their fifth string center fielder last season. While Marte has battled injuries over the years, he has also remained relatively healthy and will push Brandon Nimmo back to a fourth outfielder role where he may be best served.
The New York Mets have gone on a shopping spree to improve the lineup. Starling Marte is the latest addition as the Mets are overhauling their roster.