In Port St. Lucie, a 35-year-old athlete is facing questions about his future after a challenging season marked by physical setbacks and declining performance. If things go well, he could reclaim his position at the top of the lineup, but if not, his contract could become burdensome, not just for the present year.
Is this player DJ LeMahieu or Starling Marte? The answer is both.
While neither is considered the most crucial player in the New York lineup this season, both serve as indicators of the team’s overall offensive strength and durability. Early reports from their training camps suggest that both LeMahieu and Marte have regained stability and explosiveness in their movements, overcoming injuries that plagued them in the past year.
Both New York teams struggled offensively last season, and while there were multiple factors at play, the decline in performance by LeMahieu and particularly Marte was significant.
Neither team is prepared to give up on them yet. They still see potential, especially considering the contractual commitments to LeMahieu and Marte. With three years and $45 million remaining for LeMahieu and two years and $37 million for Marte, the New York clubs need to fully assess their capabilities before making any decisions about their roles.
Currently, there’s a reinvestment of faith in both players. Aaron Boone has expressed a desire for LeMahieu to lead off for the Yankees, citing his strong on-base performance last season. Similarly, the Mets experienced success with Marte in the lineup when he was healthy in 2022. Marte’s recent return to the field for the Mets in spring training signifies a positive step, although he still needs to regain his form after a challenging previous season.
Despite Marte’s physical appearance remaining consistent, his performance was affected by surgery, resulting in a decline in his athleticism and power. However, with his recovery progressing well, there’s optimism among the coaching staff and players, such as Lindor, who have observed improvements in Marte’s abilities and movements.
The Mets have contingency plans if Marte doesn’t return to form, with other outfielders ready to step up. Yet, Marte’s unique skill set significantly impacts the team’s dynamics, according to Lindor. The early signs of Marte’s recovery are encouraging, but it’s still early days, particularly for a player returning from surgery at 35 years old.
Marte remains confident in his abilities, and his potential impact on the team is evident from the contrast between the Mets’ performances with and without him in recent seasons. Chavez emphasizes Marte’s importance in energizing the team’s lineup and creating opportunities for the key players.
