The Kansas City Royals have actively revamped their outfield during the offseason. Those changes continued on Saturday.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that the Royals have agreed to terms with outfielder Starling Marte. According to Anne Rogers, also of MLB.com, Marte will receive a one-year major league contract once he passes a physical.
Marte is coming off an injury-plagued stint with the Mets, as a myriad of injuries led to his appearing in just 396 of a possible 648 games. Those health concerns led the Mets to primarily use Marte as a designated hitter, with 12 appearances in the outfield. He was still productive when he played, posting a .270/.335/.410 batting line in his 329 plate appearances with nine homers and 14 doubles while stealing seven bases.
Starling Marte latest piece in Kansas City Royals new-look outfield
Marte is the latest addition in the Royals’ attempt to improve production from their outfielders. Switch hitter Isaac Collins was acquired from the Brewers after a strong rookie season and should be the primary option in left. Lane Thomas was signed to platoon with Jac Caglianone in right and could get time in center over the more defensive minded Kyle Isbel.
Marte’s potential path to playing time is also clouded at the designated hitter spot. Catchers Carter Jensen and Salvador Perez are likely to split time as the designated hitter, with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino also expected to see time as the DH when Perez is shifted to first.
However, Marte drastically improves the Royals’ outfield depth. He could also play a larger role if Caglianone continues to struggle and Thomas cannot return to form. Marte is a solid low-cost option who could be a factor as the Royals look to return to the postseason.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yardbarker.com ’
