Yankees-Starling Marte rumors heat up as Nov. deadline looms

The New York Yankees want Starling Marte in center field this season. If that’s their preferred method of budget reallocation while signing a stopgap shortstop … we honestly kind of get it, so long as that “stopgap shortstop” isn’t terrible.

The problem is? Every other team in Major League Baseball wants Starling Marte roaming their grass, it seems, and the Yanks might only have a week or two to make their pitch.

According to Jon Heyman’s latest buzz, the Phillies and Yankees seem to be the most prominent teams leaping at Marte’s heels, but there are at least four other teams also lurking — including the Astros, who are a perfect fit and just stole Justin Verlander back.

Rumor has it Marte wants to sign in November before things get stagnant and the old CBA expires, and we don’t blame him.

That being said … there isn’t much November left. Get a move on, Yankees? Make a decision?

Years one and two of this Marte deal are going to be wonderful, even if he’s a roving fourth outfielder by Year 4.

The New York Yankees are getting connected with Starling Marte.

I … can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’d rather have Marte, Matt Olson, Freddy Galvis, and a No. 2 starter than just Corey Seager and Olson? Might be losing it, but that’s what I believe as of this moment.

Marte, a true center fielder, 30/30 threat, and instant athleticism/speed increaser, would work wonders in New York’s outfield immediately, and would relegate Aaron Hicks to the fourth outfield spot where he belongs, especially after coming off yet another surgery.

If not Marte, who’s the additional outfield option? Byron Buxton? The prospect cost of just one year of control there will be astronomical, and then we’ll have to talk extension for a player who’s almost comically unhealthy.

Plus, the Mets are clearly lurking in the Marte market, so much so that New York papers have projected they’ll splurge on him after re-signing fan favorite Javier Báez. Major thumbs down to that.

We’re not sure who or what the Yankees are waiting for, but unfortunately, the market doesn’t wait for them.

Marte could very well be the first domino off the board, weeks before any of the shortstops find a new home — or re-engage with their old one.

Hal Steinbrenner, we beg you. If you loved Joey Gallo as much as you claimed to at this year’s deadline, please go all out for Marte, who will perfectly balance out your previous acquisitions.

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