The New York Mets fan base may be stunned by the latest development involving their outfielder.
This week, the Kansas City Royals decided to cut ties with the two-time MLB All-Star. Kansas City initially designated Starling Marte for assignment on Monday, but rather than allowing the veteran to go through the traditional DFA and waiver process, the organization ultimately released him, according to MLB.com’s transaction tracker.
The move officially makes Marte a free agent, meaning the former Mets veteran is now available to sign with any MLB team.
For Mets fans, the news is particularly surprising considering Marte was a familiar face in Queens for four seasons. He played with New York from 2022 through 2025 and was an important part of the club during his time in a Mets uniform.
Starling Marte Released by Royals
Marte’s sudden availability could certainly catch the attention of Mets fans, especially given the strong numbers he produced during his four-year stint with the organization.
Across more than 390 games with the Mets, Marte posted a .272 batting average with 37 home runs, 58 doubles and 165 RBI. He also recorded a 108 OPS+, proving he remained a productive hitter during his time in New York.
His first season with the Mets was arguably his most impressive. Marte earned an All-Star selection in 2022 after hitting 16 home runs and 24 doubles while producing a 132 OPS+ over 118 games.
Now, just a short time after leaving the Mets organization and joining Kansas City, Marte finds himself back on the open market.
With the Royals this season, the veteran outfielder hit .242 across 153 at-bats, adding two home runs and 14 RBI. Kansas City’s decision to release him rather than simply let the DFA process play out makes the development even more notable.
What Could Be Next for Marte?
Marte has now completed parts of 15 seasons at the major league level and has built an impressive career.
He spent the first eight years of his MLB journey with the Pittsburgh Pirates before later playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins and Oakland Athletics. Marte then spent four seasons with the Mets, becoming a recognizable veteran presence for the New York fan base.
Over 1,589 career games, Marte owns a .284 batting average, 165 home runs, 681 RBI and 363 stolen bases, along with a career OPS+ of 113.
The biggest question now is whether another MLB club will give the 37-year-old an opportunity. If a team comes calling, Marte could still add another chapter to his lengthy career. If not, retirement could potentially become a realistic discussion.
Either way, the Royals’ decision to move on from Marte is a shocking development for Mets fans to see. After spending four seasons in Queens and delivering some memorable moments—including an All-Star campaign in 2022—the former Mets outfielder is suddenly a free agent and facing an uncertain future.
For the Mets fan base, this is certainly a development worth watching closely.