MLB Rumors - The Mets’ plan to offload their $78 million liability to the Padres

The New York Mets created waves in the sports industry after signing the Dominican star Juan Soto for $765 million. The record-breaking contract not only brought the talented fielder to the front page of MLB but also created a huge financial crunch for the Mets. After re-signing Pete Alonso and roping in the list of other athletes in order to improvise the roster for the upcoming season, the Mets’ luxury tax payroll has reached around $324 million. According to the rumors, the monetary burden has diverted attention to Starling Marte. With Spring training just around the corner, the New York Mets are struggling with a monetary challenge. The luxury tax payroll has reached a staggering amount of $324 million, which is the second highest after the Dodgers. According to the rumor mill, the Mets are looking forward to releasing a few prominent faces in order to reduce their financial burden and all the fingers are pointing towards the 36-year-old center fielder Starling Marte. With increasing age, a $78 million salary spanning over four years, and around $20.75 million for the upcoming season, Marte might have become a burden for the Mets. Based on the rumors in the MLB world, this is not the first time the Mets are in talks to move Starling Marte. Back in December 2024, the Mets even discussed trading Marte for Hunter Harvey with the Kansas City Royals. Even though the Mets were ready to pay for the Dominican outfielder, but the discussion was stalled and after signing Juan Soto, the attention was diverted towards him and developing a better team for the upcoming season. However, after the re-signing of Pete Alonso, Starling Marte is back into the spotlight. Based on an update by the Mets’ Pat Ragazzo on Sports Illustrated, there is a strong possibility that Starling Marte can be traded to the San Diego Padres. The Padres are looking forward to improving their fielding segment for the upcoming season. After Jurickson Profar was traded off to the Atlanta Braves, the Padres have a vacant spot for a starting left fielder in the team. Ragazzo posted on X-“In other news, the Mets discussed trading Starling Marte to the Royals for righty reliever Hunter Harvey around the time of Winter Meetings, sources told Mets On SI. NYM was willing to pay down a portion of Marte's salary in the deal but it wound up going nowhere.”MLB trade analysts believe that the trade for Starling Marte for Wandy Peralta might benefit both major league teams. Reportedly, the Mets might consider paying a significant part for Starling Marte’s deal in return for the Padres pitcher. Despite being in his mid-30s, Starling Marte is still one of the most productive hitters in the MLB currently. His salary has become the talking point in the baseball fraternity with respect to the skyrocketing cost burden on the New York Mets.