Starling Marte, a Dominican-born outfielder, began his Major League Baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Signed by the Pirates as an international free agent in 2007, Marte worked his way through the minor leagues, showcasing his speed and defensive prowess. His MLB debut came on July 26, 2012, against the Houston Astros, where he made an immediate splash by hitting a home run on the first pitch he faced.
Throughout his tenure with the Pirates, Marte became known for his exceptional fielding abilities and speed on the base paths. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in stolen bases, using his quickness to disrupt opposing pitchers and create scoring opportunities. His defensive skills earned him two Gold Glove Awards in 2015 and 2016, recognizing his excellence in left field.
Marte's offensive capabilities were also noteworthy. He maintained a solid batting average and contributed to the Pirates' lineup with his ability to hit for both average and occasional power. His best offensive season with Pittsburgh came in 2016 when he batted .311 and stole 47 bases, further establishing himself as a valuable asset to the team.
In 2017, Marte faced a significant setback when he received an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. This suspension interrupted his season and impacted his reputation, but he returned to the field later that year, determined to regain his form.
After eight seasons with the Pirates, Marte was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in January 2020. His time with the Diamondbacks was brief, as he played only part of the pandemic-shortened 2020 season before being traded to the Miami Marlins at the trade deadline. With the Marlins, Marte continued to demonstrate his abilities, providing a veteran presence and contributing both offensively and defensively.
In 2021, Marte was traded once again, this time to the Oakland Athletics. His stint with the Athletics was marked by impressive performances, particularly in terms of stolen bases. Marte led the majors in stolen bases that season, despite playing in only 120 games combined for the Marlins and Athletics.
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