Could the San Francisco Giants or Kansas City Royals target a two-time All-Star to enhance their lineups? An MLB insider recently proposed a trade idea that could involve both teams.
The Giants and Royals are coming off very different seasons. The Royals surprised many by exceeding expectations in 2024, making a deep postseason run and even pulling off a major upset over the Baltimore Orioles. Meanwhile, the Giants finished with a losing record and landed fourth in the NL West.
Both clubs are seeking ways to strengthen their rosters, but face constraints. The Royals, as a small-market team, are unlikely to make big splashes in free agency. On the other hand, the Giants have had difficulty attracting top free agents to San Francisco in recent years.
This Wednesday, Joel Sherman, MLB insider for the New York Post, suggested a trade idea that could involve a two-time All-Star from the New York Mets.
Could Starling Marte be the right fit for the Giants or Royals?
Sherman asked, “Would the Giants, who currently have Wilmer Flores slated as their DH, consider swapping him for Marte in exchange for lefty reliever Taylor Rogers (who’s owed $13 million)?”
After the Mets signed Juan Soto to a record-setting deal, Marte became a potential trade chip. If healthy, he would provide a clear upgrade over Flores at DH next season, and giving up a reliever might be a risk worth taking for the Giants.
Marte’s 2024 statistics: .269 AVG, .327 OBP, .388 SLG, .715 OPS, 7 HR, 40 RBI, 46 R.
Sherman also proposed the Royals as potential suitors, writing, “Would Kansas City consider a trade for Marte, offering up two Hunters – Harvey and Renfroe – who are owed $11.45 million combined?” He added, “The Mets would likely see Harvey as a setup man and could either release Renfroe or keep him as a right-handed bat off the bench, complementing Jesse Winker.”
While Marte’s $19.5 million salary for 2025 is substantial for Kansas City, it’s the final year of his contract. Even at 36, Marte could offer meaningful leadership and experience to a roster filled with younger players.
