The Kansas City Royals have signed veteran Matt to a one-year contract, strengthening right-handed outfield depth.

According to MLB.com's report today, the Kansas City Royals have reached a one-year major league contract agreement with veteran outfielder Starling Marte, adding depth and a right-handed bat to their outfield for the 2026 season.

This transaction is pending a physical examination and is anticipated to be completed within the next few days. The Royals have not formally announced the signing yet; upon its official activation, a 40-man roster adjustment will be necessary.

The 37-year-old Marte is a two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove outfielder with 14 years of major league experience, having spent the last four seasons with the New York Mets. The Royals had shown interest in acquiring him via trade on multiple occasions in recent years, but Marte's injury issues limited those opportunities. During his four seasons with the Mets, he appeared in only 396 games, hampered by groin injuries, a neck strain, migraines, and a right knee bone bruise. In 98 games during the 2025 season, he served as the designated hitter 77 times, still posting a .270/.335/.410 slash line.

The Royals have been seeking a right-handed hitting outfielder to serve as a backup or platoon option against tough left-handed pitchers. Negotiations with Marte progressed yesterday. With several left-handed hitters in the regular lineup, including outfielders Kyle Isbel and Jac Caglianone, as well as catcher/designated hitter Carter Jensen, the Royals need to ensure sufficient offensive firepower against left-handed pitching. Outfielder Lane Thomas, a right-handed batter, will rotate among the three outfield spots. Marte can now serve as a rotational option in the corner outfield or at designated hitter, filling in when Caglianone or Jensen rest, as both are expected to receive significant playing time at the start of the season. Marte could also be used as a right-handed pinch-hitter in late-game situations against challenging left-handed pitchers. His career splits are fairly balanced—a .770 OPS against left-handers and .785 against right-handers—meaning he doesn't necessarily have to be deployed in a strict platoon role. The Royals can utilize Marte as a tactical option, and if he performs well, he could earn more playing time.

Over his 14-year career, Matt has accumulated 39.8 bWAR, with a .285/.342/.440 slash line across 1,530 games, hitting 163 home runs.