It took Starling Marte more than two months to hit his third home run last season — it happened on June 4, 55 games into the season.
This year it took less than three weeks.
The Mets outfielder/DH hit the go-ahead two runs in the third inning on Wednesday, the 150th of his career, and was inspired by a player who has proven to have a high ceiling and a low floor. It became a sign.
Marte, an All-Star in 2022 and a disappointing 2023 due to injury issues, looked like his old self in a 9-1 series win over the Pirates at Citi Field.
Marte certainly looked healthy when he turned on a curveball from Bailey Falter and sent the ball an estimated 383 feet to left-center field.
“I feel good,” Marte said through interpreter Alain Suriel after a 23-year illness that left him with migraines and the after-effects of groin surgery. “Last year is a year I’d like to forget. But at this point last year I was fine, and then a little bit later I started really dealing with it, whether it was migraines or foot pain. I did.
“But I feel great now.”
Hoping to bounce back Through the first 18 games of a season, Marte has improved from last season, but has yet to reach All-Star heights.
After playing in one game in five days, Marte, who made a lot of contact, is hitting .267 with a .734 OPS, solid if not great numbers.
The Mets and Marte are encouraged by his feelings, but mainly by his play.
There are still concerns about the 35-year-old, who has not performed well in the outfield and his sprint speed has declined.
But if Marte maintains his bat speed and proves last season that health was more important than age, Marte could be an important addition to the Mets.
“Last year…I think there were things that limited me,” said Marte, who has returned to the more familiar position of No. 2 in the rankings. “But I’m doing really well so far.”
Marte served as DH in the afternoon and scored in spots with JD Martinez still out.
Marte passed most of his tests in the first few weeks of the season. He will play most days defensively and staying productive will be the next hurdle, with Martinez likely joining the team late next week.
More swings like Wednesday’s will ensure Marte’s bat remains in the lineup.
In his 13th year in the majors and third year with the Mets, he became the 34th player in MLB history to hit at least 150 home runs and steal at least 300 bases.
“Just keep competing,” Marte said of the milestone home run. “It’s also important that we continue to hit milestones and goals and that the team continues to win. That’s all I’m really focused on.”
