Royals DFA Starling Marte: Stunning End to $20M Gamble
Royals Shake Up Roster: Stars Return, Veteran Outfielder Let Go
What Just Happened?
The Kansas City Royals made three big moves on the same day. Think of it like a game of musical chairs—some players got seats back, some got moved to the minor leagues, and one player is now looking for a new team entirely.
The Good News: Key Players Are Back
Two of the Royals’ most important hitters have returned from the Injured List (IL)—that’s baseball’s version of the "bench" for hurt players.
- Vinnie Pasquantino – The team’s powerful first baseman is healthy again.
- Maikel Garcia – The speedy, versatile infielder is back in the lineup.
Bonus: The Royals also called up Connor Thomas, a left-handed pitcher, from the minor leagues to help the bullpen.
The Tough News: Three Players Sent Down or Out
To make room for the returning stars, the Royals had to move three other players:
- Josh Rojas (infielder) → Sent to Triple-A Omaha (the team’s top minor league affiliate)
- Jose Cuas (right-handed pitcher) → Also sent to Triple-A Omaha
- Starling Marte (outfielder) → Designated for Assignment (DFA)
Important: What Does "Designated for Assignment" Mean?
It sounds scary, but here’s the simple version: The Royals have 7 days to either trade Marte, put him on waivers (let other teams claim him), or release him. He’s essentially been told, "You don’t have a spot here anymore."
Who Is Starling Marte? (And Why Did This Happen?)
The Backstory
- Age: 37 (pretty old for baseball)
- Signed: March 2025 on a 1-year deal
- Contract: $1 million guaranteed + up to $2 million in bonuses
- Goal: The Royals’ outfield has struggled for years. They hoped Marte—once a star—could be a cheap, veteran upgrade.
His Track Record (2024–2025 with the Mets)
| Stat | What It Means |
|---|---|
| 699 Plate Appearances | Lots of playing time |
| .269 / .331 / .398 | Solid batting average, on-base %, and power |
| 108 wRC+ | 8% better than league average |
| 23 Stolen Bases | Still has speed |
ELI5: What is wRC+?
It’s a stat that measures how good a hitter is compared to the league average (which is 100).
- 108 = 8% better than average
- 71 = 29% worse than average
His 2025 Season with the Royals: Not Good
| Stat | Performance |
|---|---|
| 158 Plate Appearances | Limited chances |
| .242 / .298 / .314 | Well below average |
| 71 wRC+ | 29% worse than league average |
| 2 Steals, 2 Caught Stealing | Speed not helping |
Bottom line: The bet didn’t pay off. When Pasquantino and Garcia came back, Marte became the odd man out.
What Happens Next for Marte?
Step-by-Step: The DFA Process
- Royals place him on waivers (likely in the next few days)
- Other teams can claim him – If claimed, that team takes on his contract
- If unclaimed – Royals can:
- Release him (he becomes a free agent)
- Try to send him to minors – But Marte has 5+ years of MLB service time, so he can say no and keep his full salary
- Most likely outcome: He’s released and becomes a free agent
The Money Situation
| Component | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $1,000,000 | Royals still owe the rest |
| Bonuses Earned | $1,000,000 | Already paid |
| – Plate Appearance Bonuses | $250,000 | (100 PA + 150 PA) |
| – Roster Day Bonuses | $750,000 | (30, 60, 90, 120 days) |
| Missed Bonus | $250,000 | (150 days – just missed it) |
Key Point: If Marte is released or chooses free agency, the bonuses disappear—they don’t follow him to a new team. Only if he’s claimed off waivers do the bonuses transfer.
Will Another Team Sign Him?
- Financially attractive: A new team would only pay the prorated league minimum (~$740K/year). The Royals cover the rest.
- But realistically: At 37 with a 71 wRC+, it’s unlikely he gets a major league roster spot. He might get a minor league invite.
Summary
| Move | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Activated from IL | Vinnie Pasquantino | Back on roster |
| Activated from IL | Maikel Garcia | Back on roster |
| Recalled from Minors | Connor Thomas | Added to bullpen |
| Optioned to Triple-A | Josh Rojas | Still in organization |
| Optioned to Triple-A | Jose Cuas | Still in organization |
| Designated for Assignment | Starling Marte | Likely leaving the org |
The Royals got healthier and younger. Marte’s short stint ends with $2M paid ($1M salary + $1M bonuses) for 158 plate appearances—but the team moves on.
FAQ
1. Why did the Royals sign Marte if he’s 37?
They needed outfield help badly and thought his recent track record (108 wRC+ over two years) made him a low-risk, high-reward gamble for only $1M guaranteed.
2. What does "optioned to Triple-A" mean for Rojas and Cuas?
They’re still in the Royals organization—just playing in the minors. They can be called back up later (with some rules about how soon).
3. Can Marte refuse to go to the minors?
Yes. With 5+ years of MLB service time, he has "veto power" over a minor league assignment. If the Royals try to send him down, he can say no, become a free agent, and still get paid his full salary.
4. Do the Royals save money by releasing Marte?
No. They owe him the rest of his guaranteed salary no matter what. If another team signs him, they only pay the league minimum—and that slightly reduces what the Royals owe.
5. What are "plate appearance" and "roster day" bonuses?
They’re performance incentives in his contract:
- PA bonuses: $125K at 100 PAs, then every 50 PAs up to 450
- Roster bonuses: $150K at 30 days, $200K at 60/90/120 days, $250K at 150 days
Marte hit the first four roster milestones (120 days) but missed the 150-day one by a little.
Photo courtesy of Vincent Carchietta, Imagn Images