The Kansas City Royals are adding a two-time All-Star to their roster roughly a month before Opening Day.
The Royals have agreed to terms with outfielder Starling Marte, according to multiple reports. Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that Marte is getting a major league deal.
The Royals are in agreement with Starling Marte on a major league contract as @Feinsand 1st reported. He was a player they inquired about a lot last year when he was a Met.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 28, 2026
Marte is a low-risk addition for the Royals and could provide huge upside if he can get anywhere close to his previous peak. He hit .270 last season with the New York Mets, but hit .292 with 16 home runs and 18 stolen bases as recently as 2022.
On the other hand, Marte turned 37 last October, and his speed and power are inevitably going to fade as he gets older. That is why he was still available to the Royals at the end of February, with most teams clearly not seeing a role for him on their rosters this year.
The Mets had deemed Marte expendable after signing Juan Soto, but his contract was too hefty to move. The Royals think he has more to offer, and will now get to find out if they’re right at a greatly reduced price.