Miami Marlins: Is it Time to Start Worrying About a Starling Marte Extension?

Despite the Miami Marlins current on field struggles, worry is starting to creep in about a different matter off the field.

The Miami Marlins made one big splash at the 2020 MLB Trade Deadline when they acquired OF Starling Marte in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The deal also sent LHP Caleb Smith, RHP Humberto Mejia, and a PTBNL to Arizona in return.

Appearing in 28 games for the Marlins during the 2020 season, Marte wasn’t quite his normal self only batting .245 with a .701 OPS, both of which could be considered as career-lows for the veteran outfielder. Only appearing in one game during the Marlins 2020 postseason run, Marte came up big for Miami in the NL Wild Card Game going 2/4 at the plate.

While this wasn’t the largest sample size to go by last season, Marte has 100% been the Marlins offensive MVP up to this point in 2021.

Should the Miami Marlins re-sign Starling Marte?

Marte has clearly been the best hitter on this Marlins team in 2021. A free agent at seasons end, Marte has appeared in 24 games so far for Miami where he has hit for a .322 AVG in 87 at-bats. Marte also displays an impressive .429 OBP, .980 OPS, 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, and 5 SBs.

It’s evident solely by the numbers just how good Marte has been so far this season. Despite how good he has been, Miami has a question on whether or not to extend the 32-year old outfielder.

According to the latest update on Tuesday from Marlins GM Kim Ng, it’s obvious that there should start to be some worry about a potential Marte extension happening.

The Marlins have multiple top prospects such as Jesus Sanchez, JJ Bleday, and more that could be ready to contribute in the big leagues within the next year. While those young players will all be stars for years to come, would it not benefit the Marlins to have Marte patrolling center field for the next 1-2 years?

Based on his current production combined with the veteran presence that it would give Miami’s lineup, it would make a lot of sense to extend Marte. However, as the 2021 season rolls on with no new updates on a potential extension, it’s understandable to begin to question whether an extension even happens.