Royals Agree to Contract with Veteran OF Starling Marte

The 37-year-old outfielder joins Kansas City after four seasons with the New York Mets.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 3:15am

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Outfielder Starling Marte has agreed to a contract with the Kansas City Royals, according to multiple media reports. The deal is pending a physical. Marte, a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, batted .270 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs in 98 games for the New York Mets last season. He has played 14 seasons in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Oakland Athletics, and Mets.

Why it matters

Marte is a veteran outfielder with a proven track record of production at the plate and in the field. His addition to the Royals' roster could provide a boost to their lineup and outfield defense as they look to improve upon their 2025 season.

The details

Marte, 37, has agreed to a contract with the Royals, though the terms have not been disclosed. He spent the last four seasons with the New York Mets after signing a four-year, $78 million deal prior to the 2022 campaign. Over his 14-year MLB career, Marte has a .285 batting average with 163 home runs, 667 RBIs, and 361 stolen bases.

  • Marte batted .270 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs in 98 games for the New York Mets in the 2025 season.

The players

Starling Marte

A two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winning outfielder who has played 14 seasons in the majors with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets.

Kansas City Royals

A Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri that competes in the American League Central division.

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The takeaway

Marte's addition to the Royals' roster could provide a significant boost to their lineup and outfield defense as they look to improve upon their 2025 season performance.