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Mets' Jeff McNeil Says Starling Marte Gave Him Rolex Watch for No. 6 Jersey

Rob Goldberg@@TheRobGoldbergFeatured Columnist IVApril 19, 2022

New York Mets' Starling Marte celebrates as he runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run off Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Ian Kennedy in the eighth inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 16, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
AP Photo/John Minchillo

Jeff McNeil gave up his No. 6 to Starling Marte after the outfielder signed with the New York Mets this offseason, and Marte responded by gifting McNeil a Rolex, per Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. 

"It's nice," McNeil said Tuesday.

McNeil is in his fifth year with the Mets, wearing No. 6 in each of the last three years before switching to No. 1 this season. He wore No. 68 during his rookie campaign in 2018.

Marte wore No. 6 throughout his eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates and again with the Miami Marlins in 2020-21. He signed a four-year, $78 million deal with the Mets in the offseason, and it seems some of that money went toward a watch for his new teammate.

Though it's sometimes difficult to join a new locker room, Marte clearly knows the key to endearing himself to teammates.