Mets Trade Rumors: NYM Interested in Move for Pirates Star Starling Marte

The New York Mets reportedly "have interest" in Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Starling Marte, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network:

It isn't the first time Marte has been linked to the Mets:

On Tuesday, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post speculated the Mets could dangle catcher Tomas Nido in a trade for Marte.

He wrote: "[Nido] could serve as a secondary trade piece as the team tries to fill other voids. One obvious fit: Pittsburgh, which needs catchers and has a veteran center fielder, Starling Marte, to shop as the Mets look for a true center fielder."

The Mets could use the help in center field. Juan Lagares (.213, five homers, 27 RBI), Brandon Nimmo (.221, eight homers, 29 RBI), Michael Conforto (.257, 33 homers, 92 RBI) and Carlos Gomez (.198, three homers, 10 RBI) largely handled those duties in 2019.

Among them, only Conforto offered starter-worthy offense, though he's the team's right fielder.

It's clear the Mets need an upgrade at the position, and Marte would provide it. The 31-year-old hit .295 with 23 home runs, 82 RBI, 97 runs and 25 steals in 132 games in 2019.

Marte was a 2016 All-Star and is a two-time Gold Glover (2015-16). While his defense has perhaps taken a step back, he's also hit 20 or more home runs in each of the past two seasons with at least 72 RBI, 81 runs and 25 steals, becoming one of the more well-rounded offensive center fielders in the National League.

Until the Pirates have a new manager, they may be hesitant to move Marte. If they make him available, however, it's likely a number of teams, including the Mets, would at least inquire about him.