Marte Signs with Royals
Veteran outfielder Starling Marte signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals after passing his physical. The guaranteed $1 million contract gives Kansas City added outfield depth and a reliable right-handed bat for the 2026 season. Marte brings veteran leadership to a Royals clubhouse looking to improve their offensive production.
The $1 million deal, with an additional $2 million in potential bonuses, represents a significant pay cut for Marte, who is coming off a four-year, $78 million contract with the New York Mets. This low-risk signing reflects the 37-year-old's recent injury history, which limited him to under 100 games in each of the last three seasons. Marte's 2025 season was cut short by a bruised right knee that landed him on the 10-day injured list in July. Despite the injury, he posted a respectable .270 batting average with a .745 OPS over 98 games, primarily serving as a designated hitter to manage his physical workload. The Royals are banking on Marte to help boost an offense that struggled mightily in 2025. The team finished 26th in the league in runs per game (4.02), 22nd in on-base percentage (.309), and 26th in home runs per game (0.98). Their overall team batting average was a lackluster .247. This signing continues an offseason overhaul of the Royals' outfield. Kansas City's outfield unit in 2024 produced a combined .221 batting average, prompting the club to acquire Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas earlier in the winter. Marte is expected to compete for playing time with Collins, the defensive-minded Kyle Isbel, and Jac Caglianone. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, Marte brings a decorated resume to Kansas City. While his defensive capabilities have diminished with age and injuries, the Royals are hopeful his veteran presence and right-handed bat can provide a much-needed spark to their lineup.
