Why Royals DFA’d former Pirates, Mets All-Star outfielder Starling Marteoriginally appeared onThe Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as aPreferred
The Kansas City Royalsannounced a flurry of roster moves on Monday afternoon.
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Third baseman Maikel Garcia and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino have returned from the injured list.
Left-hander Connor Thomas was recalled from Triple-A Omaha.
That meant the Royals needed to open up three active roster spots. One of the moves the AL Central club decided to make was to designate outfielder Starling Marte for assignment, according to an announcement.
Marte, 37, is a former two-time All-Star and fan favorite with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets.
As of this morning, he is Major League Baseball’s active stolen base leader with 363, 31 more than Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner.
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In 59 games with the Royals, Marte hit .242/.298/.314 with two home runs, 14 RBIs, two stolen bases in four attempts, and a .611 OPS.
During his first eight seasons with the Pirates, Marte was a consistent threat to hit 20 homers and swipe 20-40 bags a year.
MORE: Phillies receive slightly worrying 65% playoff odds projection from ESPN
Age and injuries have slowed Marte down in recent years, but he did manage a 111 OPS+ in 98 games with the Mets in 2025.
The Royals are out of the postseason race, and Marte is fourth or fifth on the outfield depth chart. He also started 15 games as Kansas City’s designated hitter.
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Perhaps Marte can latch on with a postseason contender during the final few months of the regular season.
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