Starling Marte Signs with Kansas City Royals for 15th Season

Veteran outfielder Starling Marte joins Royals

Starling Marte signs with Kansas City Royals for his 15th MLB season. The veteran outfielder brings experience to the team. Marte, 37, hit .270 with 9 homers for the Mets last season.

Starling Marte joins the Kansas City Royals, looking to bounce back in 2026...

The Kansas City Royals have signed veteran outfielder Starling Marte to a major league contract, pending a physical, for his 15th season. Marte, 37, is a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner who played for the New York Mets last season, hitting .270 with nine homers and 34 RBIs in 98 games.

Marte's signing brings a seasoned player to the Royals' roster, providing depth and a right-handed option to their outfield. He's expected to serve primarily as a designated hitter, with occasional appearances in the outfield. The deal is likely a one-year contract with a value between $2-3 million, possibly with performance incentives.

Starling Marte, 37, is entering his 15th season, and he's coming off a solid 2025 campaign with the New York Mets, hitting .270 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs in 98 games. This marks a rebound from three consecutive seasons where he failed to reach the 100-game mark, showcasing his resilience as a veteran player.

Royals, OF Starling Marte reportedly agree to deal, per MLB's @Feinsand. pic.twitter.com/67OO2JHS2e

— MLB (@MLB) February 28, 2026

Marte's experience and leadership have been invaluable to the Mets, with teammate Juan Soto praising him as “literally the leader of this team” and “the captain of this team.” The Mets have shown interest in re-signing Marte, who could serve as a part-time DH and outfielder.

FROM SANTOOOOOOO DOMINGOOOOOOOOOO

STARLING MARTE HITS THE METS' THIRD HOME RUN OF THE INNING! pic.twitter.com/oEsqmTYNh1

— SNY (@SNYtv) August 24, 2025

Starling Marte is a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner who's been around the block. He made his debut in 2012 and was a force to be reckoned with for the Pittsburgh Pirates over the next seven seasons.

Marte's numbers with the Pirates were solid: .287 BA, .793 OPS, 108 home runs, and 420 RBI. He won Gold Gloves in 2015 and 2016, and was an All-Star in '16. He consistently hit above .275, peaking at .311 in 2016.

Marte's career took him to the Arizona Diamondbacks and Miami Marlins in 2020, where he played every game in the COVID-shortened season. He then bounced to the Athletics in 2021 via trade, finishing with a .310 batting average in 120 games - that's sixth-best in baseball.

In 2021, Marte's .310 average was a highlight, showcasing his consistency at the plate. He then signed with the Mets, starting a four-year stint with the team. 

Starling Marte, 37, is joining the Kansas City Royals for his 15th season, bringing veteran experience to a team that missed the playoffs last season with an 82-80 record. The Royals are looking to bolster their lineup, and Marte's signing is seen as a low-risk, high-reward move.

Marte, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, had a solid 2025 season with the New York Mets, hitting .270 with 9 home runs and 34 RBIs in 98 games. He's expected to play a part-time role with the Royals, possibly as a designated hitter or platooning in right field.