Starling Marte is reportedly close to signing a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, pending a physical. This news comes as the veteran outfielder enters his age-37 season after a challenging stint with the New York Mets, plagued by injuries.
Marte initially signed a four-year, $78 million deal with the Mets in 2021, but his time there was marked by troubles. Over the last four seasons, he played only 396 games, mainly due to groin issues that led to surgeries. Other setbacks like neck strain and migraines hampered his performance further, forcing the Mets to rely on him as a designated hitter more often.
Despite these challenges, Marte had some solid numbers last season, posting a .269 batting average and hitting 16 home runs across 699 plate appearances, translating to a 108 wRC+. He still generates hard contact at above-average rates, although his power has diminished.
The Royals are looking to bolster their outfield, which has struggled in recent years. They recently acquired Isaac Collins and Lane Thomas, but Marte could add valuable experience. Yet, his role may still be part-time, especially with younger players like Jac Caglianone showing promise but inconsistent performances.
The Royals’ current payroll sits around $149.2 million, a slight increase from last year, but still modest compared to the league. They need to balance their budget while filling the gaps in their lineup.
As Marte seeks a modest one-year deal with incentives tied to playing time, it’ll be interesting to see if his previous experience can help turn the Royals’ fortunes around. The mix of veterans and young talent might provide the spark they need, though the team still faces questions about consistency and performance.
In a time when MLB teams are focused on maximizing their rosters, Marte’s potential signing highlights both the risks and rewards of adding seasoned players to a mix of unproven talent. The Royals and Marte have a chance to write a new chapter together, one that could benefit both parties in the long run.
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