Paul Articulates - Shut down Starling

Back in November 2021 as the Mets' front office was re-shaping the team for success, they signed Starling Marte to a four-year, $78 million contract.  Marte, who had posted career-best numbers in the prior season that was split between the Miami Marlins and the Oakland A's, came to the Mets as a speedy outfielder with plus skills in every category.  He could field, throw, hit, hit with power, and run the bases.  

As a Met, Marte had an outstanding 2022 season slashing .295/.345/.458 before the all-star break.  He continued playing well in the second half until injuries took their toll.  His muscular build led to several "pull" injuries, including hamstring, groin, and eventually a core injury that led to off-season surgery.

The 2023 season saw Marte back in action, yet he was not the same.  Rumors were that he had never completely healed and rushed back.  However, his power was gone and his hitting suffered as he couldn't seem to reach certain pitches.  Recently he has been sidelined again, and although his designated time on the injured list has elapsed, he has not returned.  Speculation persists that he has not returned due to a choice to allow him more healing time but it is not clear whether that choice was made by Starling himself or by the Mets staff.

What is not in question is Marte's age.  He still has two years left on his current contract which will pay him $19.5M in 2024 and 2025.  Those will be his age 35 and age 36 seasons.  When a player that leverages speed and power reaches their mid-30's those tools begin to decline, and the wear and tear of a 162 game season accelerates the wear.    There is no doubt that a few more lunging catches, wall crashes, and/or aggressive dives to achieve a stolen base would take its toll.  

In a lost season of team underperformance where the sell-off of stars that would head a playoff run has already occurred, it only makes sense that one would consider saving Starling for next year's run at a title.

So why is there no public acknowledgement of this fact?  It is good business sense in every way, which would be acceptable to the fans.  It allows the Mets to take a long look at DJ Stewart who has found his power stroke (.905 OPS in August) and could find his way into next year's lineup that is currently short one left fielder and a solid DH.

It is my opinion that the Mets should shut down Starling for the year, let him heal properly and start fresh next spring.  Do the readers agree?