Height
6'0"
Weight
195 lbs
Age
37
College
N/A
Experience
14 yrs
Bats/Throws
R/R
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsB+
| Year | Team | GP | AVG | HR | RBI | OPS | SB | H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 1530 | 0.28482002 | 163 | 667 | 0.7810236 | 361 | 1638 |
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.0M
Guaranteed
$600K
AAV
$1.0M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
The Royals struck gold with Starling Marte's one-year, $1M deal, earning an A- CVI that represents exceptional value for an above-average starter with proven track record. At this price point, Kansas City is essentially getting a veteran outfielder who has consistently produced 2-3 WAR seasons for pocket change, creating massive upside potential if Marte can stay healthy for a full campaign. The contract structure is particularly shrewd given the Royals' competitive window — they get immediate MLB-ready production without blocking their promising outfield prospects like Tyler Gentry or Gavin Cross, while maintaining financial flexibility to address other roster needs. Marte's left-handed bat adds balance to Kansas City's lineup, and his veteran presence provides valuable mentorship for a young core that exceeded expectations last season. Even if he delivers just replacement-level production due to age-related decline, the financial risk is negligible, but the ceiling remains that of a productive everyday player who could be a difference-maker in the AL Central. This represents exactly the type of low-risk, high-reward signing that contending teams should target, especially when adding proven talent at such a minimal cost.
Fan & Media Sentiment
The media and fan reaction to Starling Marte's $1M deal with Kansas City has been notably muted, reflecting a perception that the former All-Star has settled into veteran depth territory after 14 MLB seasons. The modest contract value is driving much of the lukewarm sentiment — when a player who once commanded premium dollars accepts a prove-it deal, it signals the market views him as a role player rather than impact starter. Headlines around the signing have been purely transactional, lacking the enthusiasm typically reserved for marquee additions or the concern that follows risky gambles. What's particularly telling is how this tepid reception contrasts with Marte's still-solid on-field production, where his performance grade sits considerably higher than public perception suggests. The narrative could shift quickly if Marte proves he still has everyday starter capability, but right now the baseball world sees him as organizational depth — a safe, unremarkable addition to fill out Kansas City's roster. This disconnect between actual value and perceived value makes Marte one of the more underrated veterans available, even if nobody seems particularly excited about it.
Recent Games
| Date | OPP | Result | AB | H | R | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, 4/8 | @ CLE | L 2-10 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Sun, 4/5 | vs MIL | L 5-8 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Transaction History
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