The New York Mets could have one of their stars back in 2024.
New York had a disappointing 2023 campaign and one of the reasons for the struggles had to do with a plethora of injuries. The Mets dealt with a handful of injuries throughout the campaign and never were able to truly get on track.
The Mets eventually became sellers ahead of the trade deadline and turned their focus to 2024. It sounds like one of New York's top outfielders could be ready to fully go next season giving the Mets a much-needed boost.
Two-time All-Star Starling Marte only appeared in 86 games last season as he dealt with injuries. He had a down year and he clubbed just five home runs, drove in 28 runs, and had a career-low .248 batting average.
He has been recovering and even has been playing in the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League this winter and has impressed.
"The 35-year-old has now recorded five hits over his last two Winter League games after going 3-for-5 on Saturday against Gigantes del Cibao," SNY's Colin Martin said. "Overall, he's hitting .367 with a .872 OPS over 30 at-bats in eight games to go along with three walks and two RBI. Marte has also tallied stolen bases in back-to-back games.
"New York is hopeful Marte can return to form in 2024 after being limited to just 86 games last season due to injuries. The two-time All-Star hit a career-low .248 with only 13 extra-base hits after recording a .292 average and 40 extra-base hits in 2022. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza met with Marte and got to see him in action Sunday, as some of the team brass is in the Dominican Republic for events at their training academy."
If Marte can put together a healthy campaign in 2024 and fully return to form, he certainly would give New York a boost.
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