Report: Starling Marte drawing interest from Phillies, Yankees
The market is beginning to develop for former All-Star Starling Marte.
The Philadelphia Phillies are one of many teams interested in the center fielder, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports.
Additionally, the New York Yankees are said to at least have the two-time Gold Glove winner on their radar, according to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com.
The Oakland Athletics couldn't tender Marte a qualifying offer prior to him hitting free agency as they acquired the 33-year-old midseason from the Miami Marlins for Jesus Luzardo. Therefore, Marte will be unencumbered by draft-pick compensation.
The Phillies' outfield ranked fifth in the National League by FanGraphs WAR thanks to outsized offensive production from Bryce Harper. By FanGraphs' defensive ratings, Philadelphia's outfield ranked 12th among the 15 Senior Circuit clubs. Compounding the team's outfield needs is the potential free-agent departure of Andrew McCutchen, who had his $15-million team option declined.
The Yankees finished eighth in outfield production among AL clubs, according to FanGraphs WAR. While superstars such as Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Joey Gallo are all slated to return, New York's defensive woes in center proved costly in 2021 after Aaron Hicks suffered a season-ending wrist injury. The Athletic's Lindsey Adler reported in October that Hicks is hopeful to play winter ball.
An incredibly reliable player in the outfield, at the plate, and on the bases, Marte enjoyed a career year between the Marlins and A's last season, hitting .310/.383/.458 with 12 homers and tying a career high with 47 stolen bases.
Over a 10-year career that began with the Pittsburgh Pirates back in 2012, Marte possesses a .797 OPS with 126 home runs and 296 steals.