REPORT: Yankees Linked to Puzzling Move for Former Mets All-Star

The New York Yankees seemed to have addressed their positional needs for the 2026 season with their re-signing of Cody Bellinger, but reports suggest the team is still on the lookout for another bat, particularly in the outfield. According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the Yankees are exploring the possibility of adding a right-handed hitter, and Starling Marte, the former New York Mets All-Star, has reportedly emerged as a potential target.

Marte’s Recent Performance and Background

Starling Marte has had a successful MLB career, including a couple of All-Star selections and two Gold Glove awards, but his recent years have seen a decline in performance. In 2025, Marte slashed .270/.335/.410 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs across 329 plate appearances for the Mets. While those numbers are solid, they represent a sharp decline from his peak seasons. Marte’s 2022 All-Star appearance with the Mets was buoyed by a much stronger season, where he hit 16 homers, drove in 63 RBIs, and posted an OPS of .814.

Now 37 years old, Marte’s bat has been inconsistent in recent years, and his defense has sharply declined. In fact, Marte served primarily as a designated hitter for the Mets last season, which raises the question of whether the Yankees would want to play him in the outfield at this stage of his career. His defensive struggles could be a major factor in the team’s decision-making.

Why Is Marte a Target for the Yankees?

The Yankees are currently set with Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger as their starting outfielders, but the team is still reportedly seeking a right-handed bat to add depth. This could potentially be a move to give Grisham some rest days, or a means to bolster the bench. But the decision to pursue Marte at this stage raises some concerns.

Despite his waning defensive skills, Marte still has value with his bat. Over the course of his career, he has actually hit right-handed pitchers better than left-handed pitchers, posting a .785 OPS against righties compared to a .770 OPS against lefties. This could explain some of the Yankees’ interest in the veteran outfielder, but Marte’s defensive limitations may be a concern for the team, particularly if they are looking to utilize him in a full-time role.

A Possible Signal About Jasson Dominguez

The Yankees’ interest in adding another outfielder could also signal a shift in their evaluation of Jasson Dominguez, one of the team’s top prospects in recent seasons. Dominguez, who was benched towards the end of the 2025 season, struggled with his glove, and his potential as a future starter in the outfield may have diminished. Adding a veteran like Marte could signal that the Yankees are looking for a more reliable option for their outfield, particularly if Dominguez’s development doesn’t progress as hoped.

Other Outfield Options Considered by the Yankees

It’s also worth noting that the Yankees have expressed interest in Austin Hays, another right-handed bat, but he recently signed with the Chicago White Sox. Additionally, players like Randal Grichuk and Austin Slater have been mentioned as other possibilities for the Yankees. Both of these players could potentially offer more flexibility and dependability in the outfield compared to Marte, especially when factoring in Marte’s age and defensive decline.

Is This a Logical Move?

Given that Marte’s defensive abilities have been in decline and he’s no longer the dynamic player he once was, pursuing him as a significant contributor on the field feels puzzling. However, with his ability to handle right-handed pitching and add some depth, the Yankees may be hoping that Marte can fill a specific role as a backup or platoon player. But the move will likely come with risks, particularly if they are counting on him for more regular playing time in the outfield.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how the Yankees approach the situation as they head into spring training. The pursuit of Marte is one of several moves they’re considering to improve their roster, but whether it’s the right choice remains to be seen. The addition of a player with his current skillset could bring some value, but the Yankees will need to make sure he can handle the demands of the outfield before finalizing any potential deal.