The Kansas City Royals have made a surprising move by designating veteran outfielder Starling Marte for assignment. This decision comes as a bit of a shock, given Marte's recent performance and the team's desperate need for an upgrade in the outfield. With a one-year deal and a $1MM guarantee, the Royals had high hopes for Marte, who was expected to provide a cheap boost to their struggling outfield.
However, the results have been underwhelming. Despite hitting .269/.331/.398 with a wRC+ of 108 over the past two seasons, Marte has struggled this year, posting a .242/.298/.314 line with a 71 wRC+. This performance has been a significant disappointment, especially considering his age and the team's expectations. The Royals' decision to designate Marte for assignment is a clear indication that they are looking to make a change and potentially trade or release him.
Marte's situation is further complicated by his age and performance. At 37 years old, he is a few years removed from his prime, and his recent struggles have made him a less attractive prospect for other teams. The Royals' decision to designate him for assignment suggests that they are willing to cut ties and move on from a player who has not lived up to their expectations.
The financial implications of this move are also significant. Marte's deal included a $1MM salary and various bonuses, including $125K for reaching 100 plate appearances and $250K for every 50 PAs after that. He has already earned $250K in bonuses, but these bonuses will be lost if he is released or elects free agency. This means that the Royals will be on the hook for the remaining salary, which could be a significant financial burden.
Despite the financial implications, it is unlikely that Marte will find a new team in the major leagues. His age and performance have made him a less desirable prospect, and it is possible that he will be released and become a free agent. If this happens, the Royals will be able to reclaim him, but they will still be responsible for the remaining salary.
In summary, the Kansas City Royals' decision to designate Starling Marte for assignment is a surprising move that reflects their desperation to improve their outfield. While Marte's performance has been underwhelming, the financial implications of this move are significant, and it remains to be seen whether he will find a new team in the major leagues.
