The Royals have signed free agent outfielder and former New York Met, Starling Marte, according to MLB Network Insider and National Reporter Mark Feinsand. MLB reporter Yancen Pujols was the first to report that the Royals and Marte were holding discussions earlier in the day on Saturday, February 28th. Feinsand reports it’s a major league deal. The current contract details, including specifics, are unknown at this time.
Marte (age 37), who played with the New York Mets from 2022 until 2025, posted a 1.0 WAR (wins above replacement) with a .270 batting average, 34 RBI’s, and a .745 OPS throughout 98 games with New York in 2025.
Marte Battled Many Injuries During His Mets Tenure
Marte has battled knee injuries over the last few seasons, playing fewer than 100 games each of the last three seasons. Marte came up with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012 and was best known for his speed, recording a career high in stolen bases (42) in 2021 between stints with the Marlins and then the A’s.
Marte was in the final year of a 4 year 78 million contract he signed with the New York Mets during the 2021-22 offseason. Marte’s contract with the Mets was somewhat of a disappointment, considering his trouble staying on the field, in which he only appeared in 100 games or more once (118) in his first season with the Mets during year one of his contract back in 2022. Since then, Marte dealt with neck, hand, knee, and migraine-related injuries throughout his Mets tenure.
Marte Had Strong Presence In Mets Locker Room
However, despite his injury woes, Marte was seen as a significant veteran presence in the Mets’ clubhouse, receiving praise from guys like Juan Soto for his leadership in the locker room and on the field with new and younger players.
Marte’s best season as a Met was in 2022, in which he posted a 3.8 WAR (wins above replacement) with a .292 batting average, 16 home runs, 63 RBI, and an .814 OPS.
The Royals’ significant interest in Marte dates back to last season, when the Royals tried to trade for him, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
It’s unclear what role exactly Marte will serve in 2026 with the Royals. Marte played a little bit of outfield last season, but not much (only 12 games), and then was mainly confined to a DH role. The Royals could try to use Marte in a corner outfield spot. Still, given his age, recent offensive and defensive decline (which happens naturally, of course, with age), and injury history, it’s unclear whether he will get outfield reps and, if so, how much?
The Royals were in the market for right-handed bats this offseason, signing outfielder Lane Thomas and then outfielder Isaac Collins. The Royals now add another right-handed hitting outfielder in Marte to the mix.
Marte could have a healthier season and reclaim some of the better offensive metrics he showed with the Mets several years ago. Whether that happens remains to be seen, but Marte wants to keep playing, and the Royals seem very excited to have him for the 2026 season.
Former Mets Outfielder Signs With Royals