Free Agent Signing: Royals Sign Former 2-Time All-Star, Gold Glover

February 28, 2026


Last season, rumors persisted that the Kansas City Royals had some interest in New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte. Nothing came of it, and Marte became a free agent this offseason. It took until two weeks into Spring Training, but the Royals have finally got their man, signing Marte to a major league deal for 2026.

The deal is pending a physical, which is expected to happen in the next couple of days, per Mark Feinsand of mlb.com. That, of course, is always a hurdle for Marte, who has dealt with groin injuries, a neck strain, migraines and a bone bruise in his knee in recent years.  

What will Starling Marte bring the Royals?

Marte will offer some insurance and depth in the outfield for the Royals, and will also get time at the DH spot. The right-handed hitter will serve as a platoon bat against lefties, as two of the three projected starting outfielders in KC—Kyle Isbel and Jac Caglianone—are left-handed hitters. 

The 37-year-old is a two-time All-Star, but injuries have wreaked havoc on his ability to stay on the field the past few years. He hasn't cracked the 100-game mark since 2022, his last time as an All-Star. Even then, he managed to play only 118 games. 

He's also a decade removed from his Gold Glove days, in 2015 and 2016, when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He's now a below-average defender, as his speed and range in the outfield have decreased significantly.

But he's still an above-average hitter, batting .270 over the past couple of seasons, with an OPS+ of 111 last year, in 98 games. He played only 12 games in the outfield in 2025, the rest at DH or as a pinch-hitter.

For his 14-year career, Marte is a .285 hitter, with a .785 OPS, with 163 homers and 361 stolen bases. 

Photo:  Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | NHL Rumors