Mets' Jeff McNeil Says Starling Marte Gifted Him Rolex For Jersey Num

Publish date: 2024-07-14

MLB star Starling Marte wanted the #6 so badly with his new Mets squad ... his teammate, Jeff McNeil, said the outfielder gave up a pricey watch for it!

McNeil explained the trade to MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo prior to New York's game against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday ... saying after he gave away his NY #6 to Marte before the year, Starling returned the favor recently by getting him a Rolex.

McNeil had worn the number since 2019, but switched to #1 after making the deal with Marte, who signed with the Mets this offseason after playing for Oakland and Miami last year.

As for if it was worth it ... McNeil told DiComo, while grinning, that the watch was very nice.

No word on what the timepiece cost ... but most Rolexes come with a hefty four-, five- or even 6-figure price tag.

Starling Marte continues to make things happen. A single, a stolen base (he has three on the season) and an error, then a dash home on a ball that only trickled several feet from home plate.

We used to call these Reyes Runs. Taking suggestions...

Mets 1, Giants 0, bottom one. pic.twitter.com/OFM6GIKGhP

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 19, 2022 @AnthonyDiComo

Of course, Marte signed a 4-year, $78 million contract with the Mets ... so he could certainly afford it.

Trades like these happen fairly often in sports -- but sometimes they can end up disastrous ... you'll recall, Clinton Portis and his former teammate Ifeanyi Ohalete got in such a dispute over payment for a jersey number back in the day that they actually ended up in civil court over it all.

Doesn't seem the Marte/McNeil swap has any shot of reaching that point ... especially 'cause both dudes are off to great starts this season in their new threads.

So ... enjoy the watch, Jeff!