Royals reportedly sign 2-time All-Star outfielder Starling Marte to 1-year deal

The Kansas City Royals have signed outfielder Starling Marte to a one-year contract, according to reports. Kansas City hasn't officially announced the deal, pending Marte passing a physical and a corresponding 40-man roster move needing to be made. 

Marte, 37, hit .275/.333/.410 with 14 doubles, 9 home runs, 34 RBI and 7 stolen bases last season for the New York Mets. He was limited to 98 games due to a persistent bone bruise issue in his right knee that required multiple gel shots to provide lubrication. 

The 14-year MLB veteran primarily played at designated hitter with the Mets last season and will likely fill that role in Kansas City. Last season, the Royals got a combined .206/.280/.339 average out of the DH position, the third-worst production in MLB. 

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In the field, Marte has mostly played right field for the past four seasons and could see time there if Jac Caglianone doesn't improve on his .157/.237/.295 performance as a rookie. Royals right fielders were the second-worst in baseball with a collective .615 OPS last year. 

Kansas City has reportedly shown interest in adding Marte during the past few seasons, but his frequent injuries prevented a deal from being made. In addition to his knee issues, Marte has also dealt with groin and neck injuries, along with migraines. 

Marte's right-handed bat should provide some balance to the Royals' lineup with most of their outfield and DH candidates batting left-handed. Caglianone, projected center fielder Kyle Isbel and DH Carter Jensen each hit from the left side, while prospective left fielder Isaac Collins bats .230 with a .717 OPS against lefties. 

However, Marte actually hits right-handed pitching (.755 OPS) better than lefties (.733), so Kansas City might be looking at him beyond a platoon role at a variety of positions.

During his 14 MLB seasons, Marte has also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins and Athletics. The two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner is a career .285/.342/.440 hitter with 291 doubles, 55 triples, 163 homers, 667 RBI and 361 stolen bases in 1,530 games. His best season was in 2019 with the Pirates when he hit .295/.342/.503 with 31 doubles, 23 home runs, 82 RBI and 32 steals.