In the Spring training world of the New York Mets, discussions seem to always revolve around the impact of injuries, a compelling argument should be made that the health of Starling Marte may "Tell the Truth” about the team's success—or lack thereof—more than the injuries that always seem to plague their pitching staff (Senga, Kranick so far). When looking at the statistics, it becomes evident that Marte's presence on the field significantly correlates with the Mets' victories.
In the 2022 season, when Marte played 118 games, the Mets boasted an impressive 73-45 record, achieving a remarkable 0.618 winning percentage. His combination of power, speed, and defense contributed to his All-Star status and a 3.8 WAR. His thumb injury and not being in the lineup down the stretch may have cost the Mets first place and the playoff loss to the Padres. However, the narrative took a different turn in 2023, following Marte's double groin surgery during the winter. Struggling with injuries, he participated in just 86 games, marking his second-lowest since his rookie year, excluding the COVID-shortened season. The Mets felt the impact, where Marte's diminished range in the outfield was evident, contributing to a negative -0.8 WAR.
Starling Marte's return to full health in 2024 is crucial for the Mets' success. His recent performance in spring training, leading off and playing right field against the Cardinals, showed promise as he wasted no time lining the first pitch he saw from Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas to deep to right field in the first inning; his swing looked smooth and effortless, and the ball exploded off his bat, as it has much of Spring training. He did, however, strike out on three pitches his next at-bat.
Speaking to him prior to the game, Marte shared his excitement about returning to the lineup for real games, "Very excited to be back and see action on the field." When asked about his physical and mental state, Marte confidently affirmed, "I feel great. I feel I'm ready to play and continue to do what I do." He elaborated later on in the post game about his preparation,"I want to reintroduce myself," Marte said through an interpreter, "to the player that I’ve always been.""I feel comfortable with my body," Marte said. "I came into camp ready to go. I’ll be able to steal bases and play rightfield the way you have seen me play in the past."Reflecting on the challenges of the previous year, Marte acknowledged the frustration of working through injuries, stating, "It was a lot. I mean, when you know something is not right, you might work a lot." However, he emphasized the mental aspect of recovery, noting, "Everything is mental." Marte credited the training staff for their crucial role in his rehabilitation, saying, "But at the end, talking with my training, those guys right there helped me a lot. We've been working a lot every day."
The dedication extended into the offseason, where Marte participated in winter ball to regain confidence. Expressing his satisfaction with the process, Marte said, "That was good. Playing in the Dominican, back to the field, and feel I'm ready to play, like, okay, that's me again. I feel great. I feel good." He highlighted the support from the Mets' training staff, stating, "So I talked with those guys here, and they told me, 'Yeah, you can play.'"
Marte's meticulous attention to ensuring his legs feel good showcases his dedication to the game, echoing his sentiment, "I want to feel my legs good. That's what I feel." His commitment and positive mindset, was front and center in his first stolen base while playing winterball in the Dominican, add to the anticipation for a successful 2024 season. As Marte confidently stated, "No, because I made sure, like, I can play. When I'm playing, I play hard."
In conclusion, the Mets need the real Starling Marte to please stand up as he is the linchpin for the New York Mets' potential success in the 2024 season. His positive mindset, hard work, and determination to overcome challenges make him an invaluable asset. As Mets fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, a healthy and ready Starling Marte in the lineup undoubtedly tips the scales in favor of success for the team.