Outfielder Starling Marte is one of the most important players on the New York Mets‘ roster.
He offers a unique blend of contact, on-base ability, power, speed, and defense from the outfield corners; and he is one of the most dynamic players in baseball.
He was brilliant for the Mets last year, until injuries ruined his stretch run and playoffs.
Marte underwent surgery in early November for a core muscle injury, which he suffered around the midway point of the 2022 season.
Additionally, he fractured his right middle finger in early September.
The core muscle surgery takes a few weeks of rest to heal, so the Mets are expected to be cautious.
General manager Billy Eppler offered some new information about where Marte currently is in his rehab.
“Asked today about Starling Marte (recovery from core surgery), Mets GM Billy Eppler didn’t dismiss the notion that Marte might be limited at the start of spring training. He also didn’t say no to the possibility that Marte could play for the DR in the WBC. It’s wait-and-see mode,” Mets insider Anthony DiComo tweeted.
Asked today about Starling Marte (recovery from core surgery), Mets GM Billy Eppler didn't dismiss the notion that Marte might be limited at the start of spring training. He also didn't say no to the possibility that Marte could play for the DR in the WBC. It's wait-and-see mode.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) January 31, 2023
If he is limited at the start of spring training, then the odds that he plays in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) are not particularly promising.
Nothing is set in stone yet, though.
Marte’s health will be crucial for the Mets entering the 2023 campaign.
He is capable of doing big things on a baseball field.
Last year, he hit .292 with 76 runs, 16 homers, 63 RBI, 18 steals and a .815 OPS in 505 plate appearances.
If healthy, he could be a 20-30 player even while being on the wrong side of 30.
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