Royals Finalize One-Year Deal With Starling Marte, Designate Dairon Blanco
The low-cost, incentive-heavy pact gives Kansas City a veteran bat for matchup flexibility against left-handed pitching.
Overview
- Kansas City announced a one-year Major League contract for Starling Marte that guarantees $1 million with up to $2 million in bonuses, split between roster bonuses and performance incentives.
- To open a 40-man roster spot, the Royals designated outfielder Dairon Blanco for assignment.
- Manager Matt Quatraro said Marte will provide bench and designated hitter depth with the option to cover corner outfield, with usage expected to lean toward matchups versus left-handed pitchers.
- Marte’s recent seasons with the Mets were limited by lower-body injuries, leading to primarily designated hitter duties in 2025 with only 12 outfield appearances in 98 games.
- The 37-year-old is a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner with a .285 career average, 163 home runs and 361 stolen bases, bringing experience to a young roster.