The New York Mets announced the signing of outfielder Starling Marte to a four-year contract Tuesday night.
The Mets did not disclose financial terms, but earlier reports noted the deal was worth $78 million in all.
“Starling is a premier talent at a premier position,” new Mets general manager Billy Eppler said in a press release. “His play in the outfield makes the team stronger at run prevention up the middle and his elite base-running skills are a perfect blend. He has a winning attitude and will be a huge asset as well in our clubhouse.”
Marte, 33, split last season between the Miami Marlins and the Oakland Athletics. He had a collective batting average of .310 with a .383 on-base percentage and a .458 slugging percentage with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs. He led the major leagues with 47 stolen bases, tying a career high.
In 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2012-2019), Arizona Diamondbacks (2020), Marlins (2020-21) and Athletics (2021), Marte has a career batting average of .289, a slugging percentage of .451, 126 home runs, 502 RBIs, 680 runs scored and 296 stolen bases.
The Dominican Republic native has played center field almost exclusively since the 2018 season.
Marte was an All-Star in 2015 and won Gold Glove awards in 2015 and 2016.
The Mets also reportedly have come to terms with three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer, outfielder Mark Canha and infielder Eduardo Escobar.
–Field Level Media