Starling Marte Landing Spots: 3 best destinations for 37-year-old All-Star after $78M Mets contract ends

Starling Marte’s four-year, $78 million deal with the Mets is finally over, and he goes into the offseason as a veteran whose value depends on how teams feel about a 37-year-old hitter.

His last two seasons were up and down because of knee problems and missed time, but when he felt good, he still showed moments of the player who pushed the Mets’ offense in 2022.

Last year, he worked in a part-time DH and outfield role, hitting around .270 with steady at-bats and enough speed to keep defenders on their toes.

He’s also known as a strong clubhouse presence, which matters for teams looking to raise their overall level. Here are three clubs that make the most sense for his next chapter.

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1. San Francisco Giants

San Francisco has made it clear: It want to surround its emerging young core with reliable veterans who won’t block prospects long term.

The Giants struggled to get consistent production from their corner outfield last season, and their offense lacked a steady on-base presence against right-handed pitching and Marte can provide both.

He can start a few times a week on the left or right, rotate through DH and steady the middle of the lineup without requiring everyday duties. For a team looking for inexpensive stability, he’s a clean match.

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2. Tampa Bay Rays

If there’s a front office built to extract value from aging players, it’s Tampa Bay. The Rays need affordable outfield depth, and they love players who can bounce between roles.

Marte’s current profile — part outfielder, part DH, part matchup-based bat — is exactly the kind of puzzle piece they specialize in maximizing.

He wouldn’t need to play every day, and Tampa could protect his knee while still getting quality at-bats. On a one-year deal with incentives, this is the best deal the Rays could offer to Marte.

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3. Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox enter the offseason with payroll room and a clear need for a veteran presence who can hit right-handed pitching and lengthen the lineup.

Boston leaned heavily on young outfielders last season, and while the upside is real, the inconsistency showed. Marte could offer the Red Sox a steadying option who can start three or four times a week and deliver professional at-bats, and take DH reps without diminishing the club’s athleticism.

For a team trying to nudge itself back into contention, this is a classic short-term, smart-money signing.