Morning Briefing: Starling Marte Not Surprised to Still Be With Mets

Good morning, Mets fans!

Starling Marte told reporters Sunday that the Mets were going to try to trade him after the team signed Juan Soto. However, Marte said he isn’t surprised that he is still with the team.

“Why would I be surprised? If they wanted to trade me, they would’ve tried to trade me,” Marte said. “Obviously, I’m here for a reason. If they wanted to trade me, they would’ve gotten rid of me a long time ago.”

Marte is slated to split the designated hitter role with Jesse Winker.

Latest Mets News

Juan Soto reported to Mets camp on Sunday, telling reporters he is ready to bat wherever Carlos Mendoza wants to put him in the lineup. Soto also said he’s excited to play with Pete Alonso and is looking to improve his defense.

Kevin Parada lost 15 pounds over the offseason, and he told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that he cut out sweets from his diet – specifically salted caramel ice cream and lemon-flavored snacks. Parada said he felt “heavy and unathletic” following a disappointing 2024 season and catching coach Glenn Sherlock said he noticed a difference this spring.

Today at 10:00 a.m., Howie Rose will interview Steve Cohen on the Meet at the Apple podcast. The episode will be live-streamed on the Mets’ social channels.

Latest MLB News

The Guardians are in advanced talks with left-hander John Means, Chris Cotillo of MassLive reported Sunday. A former All-Star, Means made just four starts in 2024 before needing to undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career.

Former All-Star shortstop Paul DeJong has signed a one-year contract with the Nationals. DeJong spent time with the White Sox and Royals in 2024, batting .227/.276/.427 with 24 homers in 482 plate appearances. DeJong notoriously has torched the Mets in his career, crushing 11 homers with a 1.042 OPS in 30 career games against them.

The Diamondbacks have signed right-hander Shelby Miller to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Miller spent 2024 with the Tigers, posting a 4.53 ERA with 49 strikeouts against 13 walks in 55 2/3 innings. The 34-year-old pitched in parts of three seasons for Arizona after he was infamously traded for Dansby Swanson, Ender Inciarte, and Aaron Blair after the 2015 season. In 29 games with the Diamondbacks, he posted a 6.35 ERA.

The Blue Jays have signed lefty Amir Garrett to a minor league contract. Garrett appeared in six games for the Angels in 2024, allowing three runs with 11 strikeouts against five walks in 5 1/3 innings. Garrett posted on Twitter recently that he has been experimenting with a new arm angle for his delivery.

Digging this new arm angle.. ready to work. pic.twitter.com/bIUYjJQl9y

— CountOnAG (@Amir_Garrett) February 11, 2025

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On This Date in Mets History

Born on This Date: Roger Craig (1930), Juan Padilla (1977), Stephen Tarpley (1993).

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