Starling Marte Signs with Royals: A Resurgence for the Veteran Outfielder
The Kansas City Royals have reached a Major League agreement with veteran outfielder Starling Marte, pending a physical, as reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Saturday. While the club hasn’t officially confirmed the signing, this move signals a potential boost for the Royals’ lineup.
A Remarkable Season for the 37-Year-Old
At 37 years old, Marte concluded his 14th season in Major League Baseball with a surprising resurgence. For the first time in his career, he embraced a part-time role with the New York Mets, appearing in 98 games and posting a solid .270/.335/.410 slash line with a .745 OPS. This offensive output, translating to a 111 OPS+, exceeded league average and represented his best performance since his 2022 All-Star campaign, where he even garnered MVP consideration.
Digging deeper, Marte excelled even further from June 1st through the end of the season, hitting .289 with a .766 OPS. This marked an unexpected turnaround for a player who began the year with an uncertain future.
Navigating Trade Rumors and Embracing a New Role
Following the Mets’ acquisition of Juan Soto last offseason, the team explored potential trades involving Marte, even informing him of their intentions. However, no suitable trade materialized, leading Marte to accept a reduced role. He embraced this change with remarkable professionalism and adaptability.
Health and Longevity: Key Factors for Marte
Maintaining his health has become paramount for Marte in recent years. He’s battled through double groin surgery, a persistent bone bruise in his right knee, migraines, and a neck strain. He hasn’t surpassed 100 games played in any of the last three seasons. However, the part-time role appears to have benefited his durability, as he remained on the active roster for the vast majority of the 2025 season, attributing his success to a dedicated pregame routine with the team trainers.
What to Expect from Marte in Kansas City
At this stage of his career, Marte is primarily expected to function as a designated hitter. While a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, he saw limited action in the outfield last season, appearing in only 12 games. His speed, once a significant asset, has also diminished, though he still managed seven stolen bases in 2025, bringing his career total to an impressive 361 – he remains the active leader in stolen bases.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Marte is a respected presence in the clubhouse. He played a crucial role in helping Juan Soto acclimate to the Mets organization and the expectations surrounding his substantial contract. The Royals will undoubtedly value his leadership and experience.
Source: MLB.com
