Royals Agree to Terms with Starling Marte

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to terms on a major league contract with veteran outfielder Starling Marte, adding a two-time All-Star to their roster less than a month before the 2026 season opener. The deal, first reported on Friday and confirmed by multiple sources over the weekend, remains pending a physical examination for the 37-year-old Marte, who spent the past four seasons with the New York Mets.

Marte brings a wealth of experience to Kansas City, entering his 15th major league season after stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics and Mets. He signed a four-year, $78 million contract with New York in November 2021, where he initially served as the starting right fielder. In his debut 2022 season, Marte earned his second All-Star selection, batting .292 with 16 home runs, 63 RBIs and 18 stolen bases while posting an .815 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. However, injuries hampered his productivity thereafter. He underwent double groin surgery following 2022 and missed significant time in 2023 with recurring groin issues, appearing in only 86 games. A bone bruise in his right knee limited him to 94 games in 2024, and...