Pirates' Marte prefers trade, says Mets would be 'great opportunity'

Starling Marte would prefer a trade away from the Pittsburgh Pirates this winter and says he'd like to patrol center field for the New York Mets in 2020.

"If I had the power, I would leave at this point because the caliber of player (the Pirates) have is not that of a team ready to compete for a World Series," Marte told Deportivo’s Hector Gomez on Thursday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "The Mets have everything they need (to compete)."

The 31-year-old Marte has been linked to the Mets in offseason trade rumors. He has an $11.5-million deal for 2020 with a $12.5-million club option for 2021.

He's also the highest-paid player on a Pirates club that could shift directions under new general manager Ben Cherington.

New York has outfield options in Brandon Nimmo, Michael Conforto, and J.D. Davis, but doesn't possess a true center fielder like Marte.

"It's up to them to make that decision," Marte said. "If (the Mets) want me, I know I have the ability to help them. ... If it happens, it is a great opportunity for me. If not, I will continue to work hard to help my team."

Marte recorded his most productive season at the plate in 2019, hitting .295/.342/.503 with 23 home runs, 31 doubles, 82 RBIs, and 25 steals.

The two-time Gold Glover's defense took a dip, however. Marte was a minus-9 in defensive runs saved and recorded the worst ultimate zone rating (-7.6) of his career.