3 Teams That Could Land Top Free Agent Outfielder Starling Marte

While the shortstops get all the glory in this year's free agent class, don't sleep on this outfielder who had a major impact in the season's second half on a contender. Starling Marte was dealt from the Miami Marlins to the Oakland A's at the trade deadline, and was a huge boost to the Oakland lineup. In fact, in his first three weeks in The Bay Area, he was on a Rickey Henderson-esque tear:

Starling Marte is the first @Athletics player to steal 15 bases in a 21 game span since Rickey Henderson in 1992. pic.twitter.com/v22TzbctQi

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 21, 2021

15 stolen bases in 21 games; the most for the A's since all-time base-stealing king Rickey Henderson nearly 30 years earlier. His 47 stolen bases in total led MLB. 

There are several teams that could use Marte's combination of power, speed and defense. Staring with these possible landing spots:

1. New York Yankees

His name had been linked to the Yankees before the trade deadline, and the Yanks certainly need to upgrade the athleticism in their outfield. Aaron Judge in right field is the only sure bet at this point going into the offseason. 

Brett Gardner has done yeoman's work in the outfield in the Bronx for 14 seasons, but the 38-year-old can be bought out by the team this offseason, and Starling Marte would be a huge improvement, both offensively and defensively.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski has stated that acquiring a leadoff man is one of his offseason priorities. The Phillies also could use a talent upgrade in the outfield, as well as being in desperate need of a speed boost. Nobody on the team had more than 13 stolen bases this season. Marte certainly solves all of those needs. 

3. Miami Marlins

The Marlins spending on a free agent?! Sounds crazy, yes. But Marte has a home in Miami, and he told Marlins beat reporter Craig Mish back in June that he hoped to spend the rest of his career in South Beach. 

Marlins Outfielder Starling Marte told me he wants to stay with the Marlins and end his career here. He told me he would like the organization to speak with him about an extension. I will discuss our entire conversation on the next @SwingsAndMishes.

— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) June 9, 2021

The Marlins did offer a 3-year, $30M extension, but Marte apparently wanted a 4th year and a higher annual number. The Marlins have a history of not spending big in free agency, but with a 2020 playoff berth under their belt, and with one of the best young pitching staffs in the game going forward, this team could be ready to spend a bit in order to challenge in the NL East with an upgraded lineup. 

Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports