The New York Mets received a significant boost on Sunday with the activation of veteran outfielder Starling Marte from the injured list. Marte, who had been sidelined for nearly two months due to a bone bruise in his right knee, is set to bat fifth and play right field, offering the team a much-needed injection of talent and experience as they continue their playoff push.
Prior to his injury, Marte played in 66 games and compiled a respectable .278/.328/.416 slash line, contributing seven home runs, 30 runs batted in, and 12 stolen bases—all successful attempts. His performance earned him an estimated 0.4 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), demonstrating his value to the team both offensively and defensively. The veteran's return is timely as he brings stability and a proven track record back to the Mets' outfield.
In order to make room for Marte’s return, the Mets designated outfielder Ben Gamel for assignment. Gamel, who made 18 appearances for the team, hit .217/.400/.261 with one run batted in and a stolen base. The Mets now have a week to place Gamel on outright or release waivers. Given that Gamel has more than six years of major-league service time, he has the option to reject any outright assignment, positioning him as a likely candidate for free agency.
The Mets’ outfield has seen a mix of players in recent times. Brandon Nimmo, Harrison Bader, and trade-acquisition Jesse Winker have shared duties in Marte's absence. Winker, in particular, has been a notable addition. Since joining the Mets, Winker has posted a .289/.319/.333 line with two extra-base hits in his 14 games. His earlier stint with the Nationals saw him achieve a .257/.374/.419 slash line over 101 games, earning a commendable 128 OPS+.
As the season enters its crucial final phase, the Mets find themselves with a 64-59 record, sitting nine games back in the National League East and a single game behind in the race for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The return of Marte could not come at a more urgent time for the Mets, who aim to build momentum and improve their wildcard position. Following their series finale against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, the Mets will host the Baltimore Orioles for a three-game set starting Monday. This series kicks off a critical stretch where the Mets will face divisional rivals and other formidable opponents, directly impacting their wild-card aspirations.
Managerial decisions, player performances, and health will all play crucial roles as the season winds down. Mets manager Buck Showalter faces the delicate task of balancing the lineup to maximize effectiveness while ensuring players stay healthy. Starling Marte's return offers renewed hope for the team and its fans, who will be looking to the veteran to provide both leadership and production.
The Mets' depth chart and strategy will likely see further adjustments as Showalter seeks to navigate through these final games. Having consistent, seasoned players like Marte back in the fold not only strengthens the batting lineup but also enhances the outfield defense. This can inspire greater confidence in the pitching staff, knowing they have reliable fielders backing them up.
For the Mets, every game from here on out carries playoff implications. The performance of key players—including those returning from injury—will be under intense scrutiny. The ability to come back strongly will be pivotal for Starling Marte as he looks to make an immediate impact and help steer the Mets towards postseason contention. For fans, his return is a symbol of resilience and a beacon of hope for a team that aims to be playing deep into October.