The Kansas City Royals showed interest in veteran outfielder Starling Marte earlier this offseason, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. While initial discussions did not lead to a deal, Sherman reports that Kansas City has not completely ruled out the possibility. Though there is no indication that talks are currently active, the lingering interest highlights the Royals’ ongoing efforts to add an outfield bat and suggests they may still have some financial flexibility, despite their payroll being nearly $20 million higher than last year’s levels.

Financial and Performance Considerations

Marte, 36, is entering the final season of a four-year, $78 million contract and is set to earn $19.5 million in 2025. Given his declining production—he posted a .269/.327/.388 batting line (104 wRC+) last season—other teams are unlikely to absorb his full salary. The New York Mets, who currently hold Marte’s contract, have reportedly expressed a willingness to cover a portion of his remaining salary in a trade.

Health Concerns

In addition to financial concerns, Marte’s health is a significant factor. He missed the final seven weeks of the 2023 season due to a groin strain and was sidelined for nearly two months last summer with a bone bruise in his right knee. That same knee has continued to bother him this spring, preventing him from appearing in any games so far. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza recently suggested that Marte could return to action within the next few days, according to Newsday’s Tim Healey. Any team considering acquiring him, including the Royals, would likely want to see him play and prove his fitness before making a move.

The Royals’ Outfield Struggles

The Royals’ interest in Marte aligns with their broader offseason search for an outfield upgrade. Despite various trade explorations and offers to free agents Anthony Santander and Jurickson Profar—who ultimately signed with the Blue Jays and Braves, respectively—Kansas City has yet to secure a significant addition.

The Royals’ 2023 outfield of MJ Melendez, Kyle Isbel, and Hunter Renfroe was among the least productive in Major League Baseball. Their current plan includes giving trade acquisition Jonathan India and infielder Michael Massey opportunities in left field, but the overall outlook remains concerning unless Melendez has a long-anticipated breakout season or Renfroe returns to form.

Potential Trade Roadblocks

When the Royals and Mets previously discussed a Marte trade, New York reportedly expressed interest in Kansas City relievers Hunter Harvey and Angel Zerpa. However, the Royals were reluctant to part with a key bullpen piece in exchange for an aging and costly veteran.

Harvey, who had an excellent early stretch in the 2024 season before struggling in July and landing on the injured list with a back injury, is set to earn $3.7 million in his final year of club control. Zerpa, who posted a 3.86 ERA with a 20.5% strikeout rate and an impressive 58.4% ground ball rate in 2024, is under team control through 2028. Both pitchers are expected to play significant roles in manager Matt Quatraro’s bullpen this season.

Unless the Mets are open to taking on the remainder of Chris Stratton’s contract—after he failed to meet expectations in Kansas City—it seems unlikely the Royals would sacrifice a valuable bullpen asset in a Marte deal.

Conclusion

The Royals’ continued interest in Marte suggests they are still searching for solutions to improve their outfield production. However, between his salary, injury history, and declining performance, acquiring him would require careful consideration. Unless the Mets significantly reduce Marte’s financial burden or adjust their trade demands, Kansas City may opt to explore other options to bolster their roster ahead of Opening Day.