Former New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte finally found a home as spring training got underway, as Marte agreed to a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals, according to a report from Jared Greenspan of MLB.com. Marie was effective offensively in a part-time role for the Mets last year, as the 37-year old veteran had his best season since 2022.
Marte appeared in 98 games for the Mets in 2025 as he posted a slash line of .270/.335/.410 with a .745 OPS. He’s not the same player he was back in 2022 when he was an All-Star and got MVP votes, but Marte was surprisingly effective given that he entered the season with an undefined role. Marte was especially effective from June 1 through the end of the season, according to Greenspan, when his average rose to .289 with a .766 OPS.
The Mets explored the idea of trading him when they signed Marte along with star outfielder Juan Soto, and they even informed Soto of his signing and situation. But after the season the Mets showed little interest in bringing back the 14-year veteran, largely due to his age, injury history and GM David Stearn’s announcement after the season that the team would focus on run prevention.
For the Royals, maximizing whatever Marte has left in the tank will be all about keeping him healthy. He's undergone double groin surgery, battled a lingering bone bruise in his right knee, dealt with migraines and suffered a neck strain, according to Greenspan, and he hasn’t played more than 100 games in any of the last three seasons.
With the Mets, though, he was on the active roster for all but two weeks of the 2025 season, which plays into the role the Royals probably have in mind for him. He’s changed his pregame routine considerably, and he credited Mets trainers for helping to keep him on the field.
Marte profiles mostly as a DH at this point in his career. Even though he’s a former Gold Glove winner, he played just 12 games in the outfield in New York. He’s also a gifted base stealer, but that part of his offensive arsenal has diminished considerably, as he stole just seven bases last year.
The Royals' newest acquisition is also valued as a clubhouse presence, Greenspan added, as he helped Soto adjust to the Mets organization and assisting him in dealing with the expectations that come with a $765 million contract.