The New York Mets missed the playoffs last season, and their lack of production from the designated hitter spot played a role. The Mets ranked 16th in OPS from their designated hitters last season.
The Mets got just 23 home runs from that spot in the lineup last season. Starling Marte spent the most time there, and he continued to struggle to hit for power. The Mets gave Marte a four-year, $78 million deal before the 2022 season. He was named an All-Star in his first year with the team, hitting 16 home runs.
Since that season, Marte has hit just 21 home runs in 278 games. He is basically a full-time designated hitter now, thanks to his defensive decline. However, his lack of power at this stage of his career may make it difficult for teams to convince themselves to sign him as a free age

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