Starling Marte

Starling Marte
Marte with the Mets in 2024
New York Mets – No. 6
Outfielder/Designated hitter
Born: (1988-10-09) October 9, 1988
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 26, 2012, for the Pittsburgh Pirates
MLB statistics
(through July 6, 2025)
Batting average.285
Hits1,604
Home runs158
Runs batted in653
Stolen bases359
Stats at Baseball Reference 
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Starling Javier Marte (born October 9, 1988) is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, and Oakland Athletics. He made his MLB debut in 2012 with the Pirates. Marte is a two-time MLB All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner. In 2021, he led the major leagues with 47 stolen bases. He is the active leader in stolen bases and triples with 354 and 55, respectively.

Early life

Marte grew up on the outskirts of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic.[1] After his mother's death when he was nine, his grandmother raised him.[2]

Career

Pittsburgh Pirates

Minor leagues

Marte signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2007 and was primarily a center fielder during his time in the minors.[1] In 2010, he played 60 games for the Pirates' Class-A affiliate, the Bradenton Marauders, ending with a batting average of .315. He hit 16 doubles and five triples that season while also stealing 22 bases.[3] Marte represented the Pirates at the 2011 All-Star Futures Game.[4] In 2011, while playing for the Altoona Curve, Marte was an Eastern League Mid-Season All-Star[5] and Post-Season All-Star, a Baseball America Double-A All-Star,[6] a Topps Double-A All-Star,[7] and a Milb.com organization All-Star.[8] On August 15, 2011, Marte was named the EL's Player of the Week.[9] Marte also won the Eastern League batting title with a .332 batting average[10] and was named the Eastern League Rookie of the Year.[11] Marte was added to the Pirates 40-man roster on November 18, 2011.[12]

Marte was ranked number 73 on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list in February 2012[13] and number 56 on Baseball Prospectus's Top 101 Prospect list in February 2012.[14] In 2012, while playing for the Indianapolis Indians, Marte was named an International League Mid-Season All-Star.[15] On July 2, 2012, Marte was named the International League Player of the Week.[16]

2012

On July 26, 2012, the Pirates promoted Marte from Indianapolis Indians,[17] becoming the first graduate of the Pirates' Latin American complex, located in the Dominican Republic, to reach the major leagues.[1] He hit a home run on the first pitch he faced in his major league career, off Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel.[18] The hit made Marte the third player in Pirates' franchise history to homer in his first at-bat and the first to do it since Don Leppert in 1961. He also became the first Pirate to homer on the first pitch of his major league career since Walter Mueller did so in 1922.[19] In his rookie season, Marte played in 47 games, batting .257/.300/.457 with 5 home runs, 17 RBI, and 12 stolen bases.

2013

On June 25, 2013, Marte hit two home runs off of Jeff Locke in a 9–4 victory over the Seattle Mariners, marking the first multi-home run game of his career.[20] Marte made his postseason debut on October 1, going 2–5 with a double and a run scored during the National League Wild Card Game against the Cincinnati Reds.[21] He hit the first postseason home run of his career on October 4, during Game 2 of the National League Division Series, off of Shelby Miller of the St. Louis Cardinals.[22] Across 135 games for the Pirates in 2013, Marte batted .280/.343/.441 with 12 home runs, 35 RBI, and 41 stolen bases.

2014

Marte and the Pirates finalized a 6-year, $31 million deal on March 28, 2014.[23][24] On August 18, he had his second career multi-homer game in a 7–3 loss to the Atlanta Braves. Across 135 games for the Pirates in 2014, Marte batted .291/.356/.453 with 13 home runs, 56 RBI, and 30 stolen bases.

2015

In 2015, Marte played in 153 games, batting .287/.337/.444 with 19 home runs, 81 RBI, and 30 stolen bases. After the season, he won his first career Gold Glove Award as the best defensive left fielder in the National League.[25]

2016

After hitting to the ninth best batting average in the National League (.316) and stealing the second most bases (27) during the first half of the season, Marte was selected to replace an injured Yoenis Cespedes in the first All-Star Game appearance of his career.[26]

Marte played in 129 games in 2016, batting .311/.362/456 with 9 home runs, 46 RBI, and 47 stolen bases. After the season, he won his second career Gold Glove Award.[27]

2017

On April 18, 2017, Marte was suspended 80 games without pay due to the use of Nandrolone, a type of performance-enhancing drug that violates the MLB's drug agreement. He was also deemed ineligible to play in the postseason, though the Pirates failed to qualify.[28] Marte issued a statement afterwards,[29] reading: "I have been informed that I have tested positive in one of the tests that are regularly done in my job. In this very difficult moment, I apologize to my family, my fans, and baseball in general. Neglect and lack of knowledge have led me to this mistake with the high price to pay of being away from the field that I enjoy and love so much. With much embarrassment and helplessness, I ask for forgiveness for unintentionally disrespecting so many people who have trusted in my work and have supported me so much. I promise to learn the lesson that this ordeal has left me. God bless you."

Across 77 games in 2017, Marte batted .275/.333/379 with 7 home runs, 31 RBI, 21 stolen bases.[30]

2018

In 2018, Marte played in 145 games, batting .277/.327/.460 with 20 home runs, 72 RBI, and 33 stolen bases.[30] He and Jean Segura were the only two MLB players to have stolen 20 or more bases each season since 2013.[31]

2019

On July 13, 2019, in a game against the Chicago Cubs, Marte hit the 99th and 100th home runs of his career, two solo shots off of Jon Lester in the 6th inning and Randy Rosario in the 8th.[32][33] He became the second player in Pirates franchise history to hit 100 home runs and steal 200 bases, second only to Barry Bonds, who recorded 176 homers and 251 steals with the team.[34] Across 132 games for the Pirates in 2019, Marte batted .295/.342/.503 and set career-highs with 23 home runs and 82 RBI.[30] However, on defense, he had a -11 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating, the lowest in the major leagues among center fielders.[35]

Arizona Diamondbacks

2020

On January 27, 2020, the Pirates traded Marte and cash considerations to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Liover Peguero, Brennan Malone, and international bonus pool signing money.[36]

Miami Marlins

On August 31, 2020, the Diamondbacks traded Marte to the Miami Marlins for Caleb Smith, Humberto Mejía and Julio Frias.[37] Across 61 games between Arizona and Miami, Marte slashed .281/.340/.430 with 6 home runs, 27 RBI, and 10 stolen bases during the shortened 60-game season.[38]

On September 30, during Game 1 of the 2020 National League Wild Card Series, Marte had two hits and scored a run before having his left hand broken by a fastball in the ninth inning.[39] The Marlins would defeat the Chicago Cubs 5–1 at Wrigley Field, giving Miami its first playoff victory since the 2003 postseason.[40]

2021

Marte was placed on the injured list on April 20, 2021, with a fractured rib. A month later, he would enter his rehab assignment with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and return to the Marlins on May 28. Marte was named NL Player of the Week for June 7–13, the first Marlins player since 2017. In 7 games that week, he batted .500 (14-for-28), two home runs, one double, 5 RBIs, and a 1.298 OPS. He also stole four bases without being caught.[41]

On July 18, Marte rejected a $30 million extension offer from the Marlins.[42]

Oakland Athletics

On July 28, 2021, the Marlins traded Marte along with cash considerations to the Oakland Athletics in exchange for Jesús Luzardo.[43] Across 120 games between Miami and Oakland, Marte batted .310/.383/.458 with 12 home runs, 55 RBI, and stole an MLB-leading 47 bases in 2021.

New York Mets

On November 30, 2021, Marte signed a four-year, $78 million contract with the New York Mets.[44]

2022

After hitting to a .291 average with an .881 OPS during the first half of the 2022 season, Marte was selected to play in the All-Star Game for the second time in his career.[45] Despite suffering from a groin injury throughout the year, Marte played in 118 games, batting .292/.347/.468 with 16 home runs, 63 RBI, and 18 stolen bases.[30]

2023

After double groin surgery in November, Marte's injuries persisted into 2023. He missed games in April with a neck strain, was placed on the IL in July and August due to migraines, and finished the season early after suffering another groin injury.[46] Across 86 games in 2023, Marte batted .248/.301/.324 with 5 home runs, 28 RBI, and 24 stolen bases.[30]

2024

Marte returned to the team and hit the first home run of the Mets' 2024 season on Opening Day, March 29, against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 3–1 loss.[47] On April 6, Marte recorded the 1,500th hit of his career, a first inning single, off of Miles Mikolas of the St. Louis Cardinals.[48] On April 17, he hit the 150th home run of his career, a two-run shot off of Bailey Falter of the Pittsburgh Pirates.[33] Marte missed two months of the season due to a bone bruise in his right knee, and he did not return to the team until August 18.[49] Across 94 games in 2024, Marte batted .269/.327/.388 with 7 home runs, 40 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.[30]

On October 3, in Game 3 the 2024 National League Wild Card Series, Marte hit a two-out RBI single in the 9th inning off of Devin Williams to insure a 4–2 victory and clinch the series win over the Milwaukee Brewers.[50] In Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on October 18, Marte had the best postseason game of his career, as he hit three doubles to cash in 3 RBI on four hits, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 12–6.[51] Across 13 games of the 2024 MLB postseason, Marte batted .277/.345/.362 with no home runs, 9 RBI, and one stolen base.[52]

2025

On April 23, 2025, Marte hit a walk-off single in the 10th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. In doing so, he clinched the Mets second ever perfect seven-game home stand in franchise history.[53]

Personal life

Marte has three children, sons Starling Jr. and Smerling and daughter Tiana, with his late wife, Noelia Brazoban. In May 2020, Brazoban suffered a heart attack and died while in the hospital awaiting surgery on a broken ankle.[54]

Marte's mother died when he was nine years old. Starling was then raised by his grandmother, who died in May 2022. Upon his return to the Mets after being placed on the bereavement list, Marte hit a home run on the first pitch he faced from Colorado Rockies starter Germán Márquez, dedicating his hit to his "loved ones up in heaven."[55]

In August 2023, Marte got engaged to Elianny Santana. They married in the Dominican Republic in December of that year.[56]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Biertempfel, Rob (July 27, 2012). "Biertempfel: Marte is fruit of Pirates' labor". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  2. ^ Biertempfel, Rob (July 26, 2012). "Marte homers, Pirates win in rookie's debut". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
  3. ^ "Marte Promoted to Pittsburgh". Bradenton Marauders. Minor League Baseball. July 26, 2012.
  4. ^ Langosh, Jenifer (June 23, 2011). "Marte to play for World at Futures Game". Pittsburgh Pirates. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011.
  5. ^ Wild, Danny (June 29, 2011). "Cats' McDade among Eastern All-Stars".
  6. ^ "2011 Classification All-Star Teams". Baseball America. September 16, 2011.
  7. ^ Passanisi, Mike (November 16, 2011). "Marte Selected To Topps' Double-A All-Star Squad".
  8. ^ Marshall, Ashley (November 30, 2011). "Pirates Organization All-Stars".
  9. ^ Parker, John (August 15, 2011). "Offensive Players of the Week".
  10. ^ Vukovcan, Mike (September 5, 2011). "Marte Wins Eastern League Batting Title". KDKA CBS Pittsburgh.
  11. ^ Rosario, Bill (September 4, 2011). "Starling Marte Wins Rookie of the Year". Minor League Baseball.
  12. ^ "Pirates set 40-man roster". Pittsburgh Pirates. November 18, 2011. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013.
  13. ^ "2012 Top 100 Prospects". Baseball America. February 21, 2012.
  14. ^ Goldstein, Kevin (February 13, 2012). "Future Shock: Top 101 Prospects". Baseball Prospectus.
  15. ^ "International League All-Star Team" (PDF). International League. June 27, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 14, 2013.
  16. ^ "Starling Marte & Pat Neshek Honored as International Players of the Week" (PDF). International League. July 2, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 14, 2013.
  17. ^ Singer, Tom (July 25, 2012). "Top prospect Marte to join Bucs as Meek sent down". Pittsburgh Pirates. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012.
  18. ^ Singer, Tom (July 26, 2012). "Starling in the making: Rookie homers on first pitch". Pittsburgh Pirates. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012.
  19. ^ "Starling Marte homers on 1st major league pitch as Pirates upend Astros". ESPN. July 26, 2012. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017.
  20. ^ "Pirates 9-4 Mariners (Jun 25, 2013) Game Recap". ESPN. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  21. ^ "2013 Wild Card Game - Pittsburgh Pirates over Cincinnati Reds (1-0)". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  22. ^ "2013 National League Division Series (NLDS) Game 2, Pittsburgh Pirates vs St. Louis Cardinals: October 4, 2013". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  23. ^ Singer, Tom (March 27, 2014). "Marte's six-year extension with Bucs official". MLB.com. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  24. ^ "Marte, Pirates finalize $31 million, 6-year deal". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 28, 2014. Retrieved March 28, 2014.
  25. ^ Miller, Doug (November 10, 2015). "Defensive standouts nab Gold Glove Awards". MLB.com. Retrieved November 10, 2015.
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  27. ^ "Marte captures NL Gold Glove Award". MLB.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  28. ^ Berry, Adam. "Marte suspended 80 games for PEDs". MLB.com. Retrieved April 18, 2017.
  29. ^ "Marte offers apology for PED suspension, Pirates sound angry at him in statement". CBSSports.com. Retrieved July 19, 2017.
  30. ^ a b c d e f "Starling Marte Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  31. ^ "Jean Segura Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com.
  32. ^ "Starling Marte is evolving as a man and player". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  33. ^ a b "Starling Marte Home Runs | Baseball Almanac". www.baseball-almanac.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  34. ^ Biertempfel, Rob (July 15, 2019). "Starling Marté doesn't want to prove you wrong. He wants to make you proud". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  35. ^ "Major League Leaderboards » 2019 » Center Fielders » Fielding Statistics | FanGraphs Baseball". Fangraphs.com. January 1, 2019. Retrieved October 7, 2019.
  36. ^ "Meet Brennan Malone and Liover Peguero, the Pirates' return in the Starling Marte trade". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  37. ^ "Miami Marlins acquire All-Star and Gold Glove award-winning outfielder Starling Marte from Arizona". Marlins Press Releases. August 31, 2020. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
  38. ^ "Starling Marte Stats". Baseball-Reference.com.
  39. ^ "Marlins' Marte day-to-day with broken left hand". ESPN.com. September 30, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  40. ^ "Dickerson homers as Marlins beat Cubs 5-1 in playoff opener". ESPN. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
  41. ^ "Players of the Week: Stassi, Starling Marte". MLB.com.
  42. ^ "Starling Marte Reportedly Rejects Marlins' $30MM Extension Offer". MLB Trade Rumors. July 18, 2021.
  43. ^ Kelly, Matt (July 28, 2021). "A's get Starling Marte from Miami for Luzardo". mlb.com. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  44. ^ DiComo, Anthony (December 2, 2021). "Mets sign Starling Marte, Mark Canha, Eduardo Escobar". MLB.com. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
  45. ^ "Alonso, McNeil, Marte, Díaz are NL All-Stars". MLB.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  46. ^ Tredinnick, Andrew. "Mets shutting down Starling Marte for the rest of the season, Buck Showalter says". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  47. ^ "Brewers 3-1 Mets (Mar 29, 2024) Game Recap". ESPN. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  48. ^ Sanchez, Mark W. (April 27, 2024). "J.D. Martinez's strong debut can't keep Mets from falling to Cardinals". Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  49. ^ "Back from bone bruise, Marte ready to contribute". MLB.com. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  50. ^ Sanchez, Mark W. (October 4, 2024). "Starling Marte healthy now and delivering big hits for Mets". Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  51. ^ "Pete Alonso, Mets rout Dodgers to stay alive, send NLCS back to L.A." FOX Sports. October 18, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
  52. ^ "Starling Marte Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
  53. ^ DiComo, Anthony (April 24, 2025). "Starling Marte walk-off single completes Mets' sweep". MLB.com. Retrieved May 29, 2025.
  54. ^ Chung, Gabrielle (May 18, 2020). "Arizona Diamondbacks' Starling Marte Mourns Sudden Death of His Wife: 'A Moment of Indescribable Pain'". People. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  55. ^ Groke, Nick (May 22, 2020). "Inside Starling Marte's emotional return to the field for Mets". The Athletic. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  56. ^ Lemoncelli, Jenna (December 18, 2023). "Starling Marte celebrates wedding with some risque dance moves". Retrieved October 25, 2024.
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