Inside The Pinstripes

Yankees Aren't Only Team Interested in Signing Free Agent Starling Marte

The New York Yankees aren't the only team interested in signing free agent center fielder Starling Marte this offseason. The Astros, Mets and more are also in on Marte.

Max Goodman

If the Yankees truly want to sign free agent Starling Marte this offseason, they'll be competing with at least four other teams.

According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Astros, Mets, Phillies and Marlins are also interested in adding Marte this offseason.

Marte, 33, is one of the best outfielders available in free agency, a speedster that can play quality defense and still bring some pop to the plate.

Over 120 games in 2021, with the Marlins and Athletics, Marte slashed 310/.383/.458, hitting 12 home runs with 55 RBI and 89 runs scored. He also stole 47 bases and produced four Outs Above Average in center field (20th in MLB out of qualifying players at the position).

When you look at that group of teams, the majority of them are clear contenders heading into next season. For a player that's only tasted the postseason a few times—during his time with the Pirates last decade and with the Marlins last year—the Yankees, Mets and Astros would give the outfielder another shot at October. 

Specifically with the Yankees, New York could bring in Marte as their new starting center fielder, a position that general manager Brian Cashman has said he might address this winter. Aaron Hicks would be out there if the Yankees don't make any moves in the outfield, but Marte would be an all-around upgrade, allowing Hicks to settle into more of a depth role off the bench

READ: Brian Cashman Says Yankees Could Add Center Fielder This Offseason

We also know that Marte is already on New York's radar. Depending on how much money the team invests in a top shortstop or starting pitcher, Marte could end up as one of the Yankees' big splashes in free agency.

They'll have to outbid those other clubs in the process, though. 

MORE:

Follow Max Goodman on Twitter (@MaxTGoodman), be sure to bookmark Inside The Pinstripes and check back daily for news, analysis and more.

Published
Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

Home/News