Royals move on from Starling Marte

The Kansas City Royals took a low-cost flier that Starling Marte could help improve their lineup in 2026. That experiment came to an end on Monday.

The Royals announced a series of roster moves, including the return of infielder Maikel Garcia and first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino from the Injured List. Marte was designated for assignment to make room on the roster.

A two-time All-Star, injuries and age had caused Marte to move to a part-time role in recent years. However, he had remained productive when he was in the lineup, posting a .269/.331/.398 batting line in his 699 plate appearances between 2024 and 2025, hitting 16 homers and 27 doubles while stealing 23 bases.

Former Kansas City Royals outfielder Starling Marte may be staring down the end of the road

That production was enough for the Royals to sign Marte to a one-year, incentive-laden contract guaranteeing $1 million for the 2026 season. The gamble did not pay off as he produced a disappointing .242/.298/.314 batting line in his 168 plate appearances, hitting two homers and five doubles.

As Marte has been designated for assignment, he will be on waivers before he would have the right to be optioned to the minor leagues if the Royals do not release him outright. Teams would be able to claim Marte for the remainder of his 2026 salary, but that seems unlikely given his production.

At 37 years old, it is fair to wonder what Marte has left. It is possible that he could sign a minor league deal once he clears waivers, or receive a minor league offer with a non-roster invitation to spring training in 2027. Otherwise, Marte may be staring down the end of what has been a solid major league career.