The Pittsburgh Pirates are now locked in with two-thirds of their dynamic young outfield after announcing Tuesday that they have inked starting left fielder Starling Marte to a 6-year deal worth $31 million. The deal also includes two club options, which could extend the deal out past the 2021 season. Marte’s five more years of club control are now spoken for, along with at least one year of free agency depending on the options.
Over 135 games in his first full season with the Pirates, Marte put on a fantastic offensive performance as a 24-year-old in 2013. He hit .280/.343/.441 with 48 extra base hits, including 12 homers and 10 triples. His 121 wRC+ put him only behind Mike Trout amongst left fielders in baseball last season.
Originally a center fielder, Marte shifted to left field due to the presence of 2013 National League MVP Andrew McCutchen, which has allowed his speed to blossom both defensively and on the basepaths. Marte had a UZR/150 of 20.1, by far the best in left field in 2013, and swiped 41 bases, although he did get caught 15 times.
With the way Marte’s contract is constructed, the Pirates will have both him and McCutchen signed through 2019 at the earliest, with an extension for McCutchen seeming like a no-brainer at some point. On top of that, top prospect Gregory Polanco is getting closer to being Major League ready, and with his ascension, could give the Pirates the best outfield in baseball for a long time to come.
