Starling Marte has established himself as one of the most dynamic outfielders in Major League Baseball over his impressive career. Currently playing for the New York Mets, the two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner continues to make significant contributions to his team with his exceptional batting skills, defensive capabilities, and base-stealing prowess.
As the active leader in stolen bases and triples in the major leagues, Marte’s journey from the Dominican Republic to becoming an MLB star is both inspiring and remarkable. His ability to consistently perform at a high level has not only earned him recognition on the field but has also translated into substantial financial success through lucrative contracts and endorsement deals.
Starling Marte’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Starling Javier Marte |
| Nickname | Tato |
| Date of Birth | October 9, 1988 |
| Age | 36 |
| Nationality | Dominican Republic |
| Birthplace | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Weight | 195 pounds |
| Position | Outfielder |
| Bats/Throws | Right/Right |
| Current Team | New York Mets (#6) |
| Turned Pro | January 4, 2007 (signed by Pirates) |
| MLB Debut | July 26, 2012 |
| Net Worth | $122,342,076 |
| Current Salary | $19,500,000 (2025) |
| Relationship Status | Engaged to Elianny Santana |
Early Career
Starling Marte’s journey to Major League Baseball began in his hometown of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. His natural athletic abilities caught the attention of MLB scouts, and on January 4, 2007, the Pittsburgh Pirates signed the then 18-year-old Marte to a professional contract. This signing included an $85,000 bonus, which was a significant investment for a young international prospect at that time.
After signing with the Pirates, Marte began his development in the organization’s Latin American complex in the Dominican Republic. His progress there was exceptional, and he would later become the first player to graduate from this complex and advance all the way to the major leagues. This achievement was particularly significant for both Marte personally and for the Pirates’ international scouting and development program.
Marte spent several years working his way through the Pirates’ minor league system, refining his skills and adapting to professional baseball in the United States. His combination of speed, defensive prowess, and developing power made him an increasingly valuable prospect within the organization.
By February 2012, Marte’s potential had garnered industry-wide recognition, as he was ranked number 73 on Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects list and number 56 on Baseball Prospectus’s Top 101 Prospect list. These rankings highlighted his standing as one of the most promising outfield prospects in baseball.
Marte’s hard work in the minors finally paid off when he earned his call-up to the major leagues in July 2012. His major league debut came on July 26, 2012, for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. It was a moment that would instantly become part of baseball lore.
Facing Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel, Marte stepped up to the plate for his first major league at-bat with the confidence of a seasoned veteran. In an extraordinary display of talent and fearlessness, Marte hit a home run on the very first pitch he saw in the major leagues, sending the ball over Minute Maid Park’s left-center wall.
This remarkable debut made history, as Marte became the first Pirates player to homer in his first major league at-bat since Don Leppert accomplished the feat on June 18, 1961, against St. Louis southpaw Curt Simmons. Marte also joined an exclusive club, becoming just the 13th player since 2000 to homer on the first pitch he saw in the majors. This spectacular entrance to the big leagues was a fitting beginning to what would become an impressive career.
In his rookie season with the Pirates, Marte showed flashes of the all-around player he would develop into, utilizing his speed on the basepaths and demonstrating solid defensive skills in the outfield. The 2012 season served as a valuable learning experience, allowing him to adjust to major league pitching and the increased pace and pressure of baseball at its highest level.
The following year, in 2013, Marte began to establish himself as a regular contributor to the Pirates lineup. The team recognized his potential and commitment by signing him to a one-year deal worth $500,000 on March 1, 2013. This season saw Marte settling into his role with the Pirates and continuing to develop the skills that would make him a standout player in subsequent years. His early career with Pittsburgh laid the groundwork for what would become a successful journey through Major League Baseball, characterized by athletic excellence and professional growth.
Professional Career
Following his promising start with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Starling Marte’s professional career continued to flourish as he developed into one of the most well-rounded outfielders in baseball. On March 26, 2014, the Pirates demonstrated their confidence in Marte’s abilities by signing him to a six-year extension worth $31 million. This significant investment reflected the organization’s belief in his potential and their desire to make him a cornerstone of their future plans.
The 2014 and 2015 seasons saw Marte’s game reach new heights as he established himself as an elite defensive outfielder. His exceptional range, strong arm, and instinctive play in left field earned him widespread recognition, culminating in back-to-back Gold Glove Awards in 2015 and 2016.
During these two seasons, Marte’s defensive prowess was unmatched among left fielders in Major League Baseball, as he accumulated an impressive 39 defensive runs saved. This remarkable statistic easily led all MLB left fielders, with Christian Yelich and Brett Gardner tied for a distant second place with 14 defensive runs saved each.
Marte’s offensive game continued to develop alongside his defensive excellence. The 2016 season marked a significant milestone in his career as he was selected to his first MLB All-Star Game. That year, he posted a .311 batting average, ranking sixth in the National League, while also exhibiting a well-rounded offensive approach with a .362 on-base percentage. Marte’s combination of contact hitting, speed on the basepaths, and developing power made him a versatile offensive threat.
However, Marte’s career faced a significant setback in 2017 when he received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance. This suspension cost him half of the 2017 season and temporarily tarnished his reputation. Upon his return, Marte showed resilience and determination, gradually rebuilding his standing in the game through consistent performance and professionalism.
As Marte continued to excel, his relationship with the Pirates evolved. On November 3, 2019, the Pirates exercised an $11.5 million option for Marte for the 2020 season, but his time in Pittsburgh was nearing its end.
After spending the first eight seasons of his MLB career with the Pirates, Marte was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in January 2020, marking the beginning of a period that would see him play for multiple teams in rapid succession.
Marte’s tenure with the Diamondbacks was brief, as the COVID-19 pandemic shortened the 2020 MLB season. Despite the unusual circumstances, Marte performed well for Arizona before being traded to the Miami Marlins later that same season. The Marlins recognized Marte’s value and exercised a $12.5 million option for him for the 2021 season on October 18, 2020.
The 2021 season proved to be one of the most productive of Marte’s career, despite being split between two teams. He began the year with the Marlins before being traded to the Oakland Athletics. Throughout this season, Marte showcased his elite base-stealing ability, accumulating an MLB-best 47 stolen bases across 120 games.
He also put together an impressive offensive campaign, batting .310 with a .383 on-base percentage and a .458 slugging percentage, resulting in a 132 OPS+ (meaning he was 32% better than the average major league hitter adjusting for ballpark factors).
Marte’s outstanding 2021 season positioned him as a highly coveted free agent, and on November 27, 2021, he signed a significant four-year, $78 million contract with the New York Mets, including a $5 million signing bonus.
This contract, which runs through the 2025 season, represented both a significant financial achievement for Marte and a strong commitment from the Mets to a player they viewed as an important part of their competitive aspirations.
Marte’s first season with the Mets in 2022 was a resounding success, as he earned his second All-Star selection and batted .292, which ranked seventh in the National League. He continued to demonstrate his value as an all-around player, contributing in all facets of the game.
Currently in the 2025 season, his final year under contract with the Mets, the 36-year-old Marte remains a significant contributor despite the natural effects of aging on his game. As the active leader in both stolen bases (354) and triples (55), Marte has cemented his legacy as one of the most dynamic baserunners of his generation.
Throughout his career, spanning time with the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Athletics, and Mets, Starling Marte has established himself as a model of consistency and excellence, earning respect throughout baseball for his diverse skill set and professional approach to the game.
Wife
Starling Marte’s personal life has been marked by both profound love and heartbreaking loss. Currently, Marte is engaged to Elianny Santana, who has become an important support system in his life.
While information about Elianny’s background and profession is limited in the public domain, she is known to be involved in philanthropy work, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community. Their relationship has provided Marte with stability and happiness following a period of immense personal tragedy.
Prior to his relationship with Elianny, Marte was married to Noelia Brazoban. Marte and Noelia, both originally from the Dominican Republic, built a life together in the United States as his baseball career progressed.
Their relationship was characterized by privacy, with the couple largely keeping their personal lives out of the public spotlight. Together, they created a loving family, welcoming three children: two sons, Starling Jr. (born in September 2013) and Smerling, and a daughter, Tiana (born in May 2016).
Tragically, on May 18, 2020, during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marte announced on Instagram that Noelia had passed away due to a heart attack. The devastating loss occurred while she was in the hospital awaiting surgery for a broken ankle.
In his heartfelt Instagram post, which included a photo of the couple at the Grand Canyon, Marte expressed his profound grief: “Today I go through the great pain of making public the unfortunate death of my wife Noelia, due to a heart attack. It is a moment of indescribable pain. On behalf of my family, I am grateful for the expressions of esteem and solidarity in this difficult time.”
This shocking loss came during an already challenging period, as Marte had recently been traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks and was adjusting to a new team while also navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic-affected baseball season. The baseball community rallied around Marte during this difficult time, with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, and numerous players and officials throughout MLB offering condolences and support.
Despite facing such profound personal tragedy, Marte has shown remarkable resilience, continuing his baseball career while also being a devoted father to his three children. His relationship with Elianny Santana represents a new chapter in his personal life, offering hope and companionship as he balances his professional responsibilities with his role as a parent. Through both joy and sorrow, Marte’s commitment to his family has remained a constant, defining aspect of his character off the baseball field.
Starling Marte’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Starling Marte’s net worth is estimated to be $122,342,076.
Contract
Marte is currently in the final year of a four-year, $78 million contract with the New York Mets, which he signed on November 27, 2021. This contract included a $5 million signing bonus, divided into installments of $2.5 million paid in January 2022 and January 2023.
The contract structure provides Marte with a salary of $19.5 million for the 2025 season, matching his earnings from the previous two seasons. This deal represents the largest and most lucrative contract of Marte’s career, highlighting the value the Mets placed on his skills and experience when bringing him to New York.
Salary
For the 2025 MLB season, Marte is earning a base salary of $19,500,000. This figure places him among the higher-paid outfielders in baseball and reflects both his established track record and the significant financial commitments made by the Mets to build a competitive team.
Earlier in the 2025 season, there were reports that the Mets had explored potential trade options for Marte, with the team reportedly willing to pay down a portion of his $20.75 million salary in any potential deal. However, as the regular season progressed, Marte remained with the Mets, continuing to contribute as an experienced outfielder.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Pirates | – | $85,000 | $85,000 |
| 2012 | Pirates | $183,610 | – | $183,610 |
| 2013 | Pirates | $500,000 | – | $500,000 |
| 2014 | Pirates | $500,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,500,000 |
| 2015 | Pirates | $1,000,000 | – | $1,000,000 |
| 2016 | Pirates | $3,000,000 | – | $3,000,000 |
| 2017 | Pirates | $2,814,207 | – | $2,814,207 |
| 2018 | Pirates | $7,500,000 | – | $7,500,000 |
| 2019 | Pirates | $10,000,000 | – | $10,000,000 |
| 2020 | Diamondbacks/Marlins | $4,259,260 | – | $4,259,260 |
| 2021 | Marlins/Athletics | $12,500,000 | – | $12,500,000 |
| 2022 | Mets | $14,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $17,000,000 |
| 2023 | Mets | $19,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $22,000,000 |
| 2024 | Mets | $19,500,000 | – | $19,500,000 |
| 2025 | Mets | $19,500,000 | – | $19,500,000 |
| TOTAL | $122,342,077 |
Endorsements
In terms of endorsements, Marte has maintained a relatively modest portfolio compared to some of the game’s biggest stars. His main known endorsement deal is with Franklin, a respected company in the sports industry that specializes in high-quality equipment and apparel for athletes. This partnership speaks to Marte’s credibility as a professional and his appeal to brands catering to baseball players and enthusiasts.
MLB Career Stats
| Category | Career Statistics (through April 4, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 1,134 |
| Batting Average | .286 |
| Hits | 1,562 |
| Home Runs | 155 |
| Runs Batted In (RBI) | 635 |
| Stolen Bases | 354 |
| Triples | 55 |
| On-base Percentage (OBP) | .346 |
| Slugging Percentage (SLG) | .451 |
| On-base Plus Slugging (OPS) | .784 |
| Runs Scored | 891 |
| All-Star Selections | 2 (2016, 2022) |
| Gold Glove Awards | 2 (2015, 2016) |
| Stolen Base Success Rate | ~76% |
FAQs
1. Who is Starling Marte and what position does he play?
Starling Javier Marte is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder for the New York Mets. Born October 9, 1988, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, he’s primarily played right field for the Mets. His nickname is “Tato” and he wears jersey number 6.
2. What are Starling Marte’s career statistics in MLB?
Through March 31, 2025, Marte has accumulated a .286 batting average with 1,562 hits, 155 home runs, 635 RBIs, and 354 stolen bases over his career. He’s the active leader in stolen bases and triples (55) in Major League Baseball.
3. What teams has Starling Marte played for throughout his MLB career?
Marte has played for five MLB teams: Pittsburgh Pirates (2012-2019), Arizona Diamondbacks (2020), Miami Marlins (2020-2021), Oakland Athletics (2021), and New York Mets (2022-present). He made his MLB debut with the Pirates on July 26, 2012.
4. What major awards has Starling Marte won during his career?
Marte is a two-time MLB All-Star and two-time Gold Glove Award winner. In 2021, he led Major League Baseball with 47 stolen bases while splitting time between Miami and Oakland. He has established himself as one of baseball’s premier base stealers.
5. How much is Starling Marte’s current contract worth?
Marte signed a four-year, $78 million contract with the New York Mets that runs from 2022-2025. The deal includes a $5 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $19.5 million. His 2025 payroll salary is $20,750,000.
6. How has Starling Marte’s role changed with the Mets in 2025?
After the Mets signed Juan Soto to play right field, Marte transitioned to a part-time role, primarily serving as the right-handed half of a DH platoon with Jesse Winker. The Mets initially attempted to trade him but found no takers.
7. What personal challenges has Starling Marte faced in his life?
Marte lost his mother when he was nine years old and was raised by his grandmother, who passed away in May 2022. His wife Noelia Brazoban died in May 2020 from a heart attack. Marte has three children and remarried Elianny Santana in December 2023.
8. Has Starling Marte ever been suspended during his MLB career?
Yes, Marte was suspended for 80 games in 2017 after testing positive for Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing drug that violated MLB’s drug agreement. He was also ineligible for postseason play that year, though the Pirates didn’t qualify.
9. How has Starling Marte’s defensive performance changed in recent years?
Marte’s defensive metrics have declined significantly. In three years as a right fielder, he has accumulated a -15 OAA (Outs Above Average) in 2,110.2 innings. As of 2024, he had -8 OAA, -10 DRS, and -19.1 UZR/150.
10. What happened when Starling Marte made his MLB debut?
Marte hit a home run on the first pitch he faced in his major league debut on July 26, 2012, off Houston Astros pitcher Dallas Keuchel. This made him the third player in Pirates’ history to homer in his first at-bat and first since 1961.
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