History of Starling Marte in Timeline

Starling Marte is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder, currently a free agent, known for his speed and defensive skills. He debuted in MLB in 2012 and has played for several teams including the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Athletics, and Mets. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, Marte led the major leagues in stolen bases in 2021. He is the active MLB leader in both stolen bases and triples.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1922: First Pirate to Homer on First Pitch Since Walter Mueller

In 1922, Walter Mueller was the previous Pirate to homer on the first pitch of his major league career until Starling Marte achieved the feat on July 26, 2012.

1961: First Pirate to Homer in First At-Bat Since Don Leppert

In 1961, Don Leppert was the previous Pirate to homer in his first at-bat until Starling Marte achieved the feat on July 26, 2012.

October 9, 1988: Starling Marte's Birth

On October 9, 1988, Starling Javier Marte was born. He is a Dominican professional baseball outfielder.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Marlins First Playoff Victory Since 2003

In 2020, the Marlins would defeat the Chicago Cubs 5–1 at Wrigley Field, giving Miami its first playoff victory since the 2003 postseason.

2007: Signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates

In 2007, Starling Marte signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played primarily as a center fielder in the minor leagues.

2010: Played for Bradenton Marauders

In 2010, Starling Marte played 60 games for the Bradenton Marauders, the Pirates' Class-A affiliate, achieving a .315 batting average, 16 doubles, 5 triples, and 22 stolen bases.

August 15, 2011: Named Eastern League Player of the Week

On August 15, 2011, Starling Marte was named the Eastern League's Player of the Week while playing for the Altoona Curve.

November 18, 2011: Added to Pirates 40-man Roster

On November 18, 2011, Starling Marte was added to the Pittsburgh Pirates 40-man roster.

February 2012: Ranked on Top 100 Prospects Lists

In February 2012, Starling Marte was ranked number 73 on Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list and number 56 on Baseball Prospectus's Top 101 Prospect list.

July 2, 2012: Named International League Player of the Week

On July 2, 2012, Starling Marte was named the International League Player of the Week while playing for the Indianapolis Indians.

July 26, 2012: MLB Debut and First Career Home Run

On July 26, 2012, Starling Marte was promoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the first graduate of their Latin American complex to reach the majors. He hit a home run on the first pitch he faced in his major league career against the Houston Astros.

2012: MLB Debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates

In 2012, Starling Marte made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

June 25, 2013: First Multi-Home Run Game

On June 25, 2013, Starling Marte hit two home runs in a 9–4 victory over the Seattle Mariners, marking the first multi-home run game of his career.

2013: Stolen Base Streak

Since 2013, Starling Marte and Jean Segura were the only two MLB players to have stolen 20 or more bases each season.

March 28, 2014: Signed 6-Year Deal with Pirates

On March 28, 2014, Starling Marte and the Pittsburgh Pirates finalized a 6-year, $31 million deal.

2015: Won First Gold Glove Award

In 2015, Starling Marte won his first career Gold Glove Award as the best defensive left fielder in the National League.

2016: Won Second Gold Glove Award

In 2016, Starling Marte won his second career Gold Glove Award.

April 18, 2017: Suspension for Performance-Enhancing Drug Use

On April 18, 2017, Starling Marte was suspended 80 games without pay for violating MLB's drug agreement due to the use of Nandrolone, a performance-enhancing drug.

2017: Played 77 Games

In 2017, Starling Marte played 77 games, batting .275/.333/379 with 7 home runs, 31 RBI, and 21 stolen bases.

2017: First Marlins Player Since 2017

In 2021, Starling Marte was named NL Player of the Week for June 7–13, the first Marlins player since 2017.

2018: Played in 145 games

In 2018, Starling Marte played in 145 games, batting .277/.327/.460 with 20 home runs, 72 RBI, and 33 stolen bases.

July 13, 2019: Hit 99th and 100th Career Home Runs

On July 13, 2019, Starling Marte hit the 99th and 100th home runs of his career in a game against the Chicago Cubs. He became the second player in Pirates history to hit 100 home runs and steal 200 bases.

January 27, 2020: Traded to Arizona Diamondbacks

On January 27, 2020, the Pittsburgh Pirates traded Starling Marte and cash considerations to the Arizona Diamondbacks.

May 2020: Death of Wife, Noelia Brazoban

In May 2020, Starling Marte's wife, Noelia Brazoban, suffered a heart attack and died while in the hospital awaiting surgery on a broken ankle.

August 31, 2020: Traded to Miami Marlins

On August 31, 2020, the Arizona Diamondbacks traded Starling Marte to the Miami Marlins.

April 20, 2021: Placed on Injured List with Fractured Rib

On April 20, 2021, Starling Marte was placed on the injured list due to a fractured rib.

July 28, 2021: Traded to Oakland Athletics

On July 28, 2021, the Miami Marlins traded Starling Marte to the Oakland Athletics.

November 30, 2021: Signed Contract with New York Mets

On November 30, 2021, Starling Marte signed a four-year, $78 million contract with the New York Mets.

2021: Led Major Leagues in Stolen Bases

In 2021, Starling Marte led the major leagues with 47 stolen bases.

May 2022: Death of Grandmother

In May 2022, Starling Marte's grandmother, who raised him after his mother's death, passed away. Upon his return to the Mets, he dedicated a home run to his "loved ones up in heaven."

2022: Selected for All-Star Game

In 2022, after a strong first half of the season, Starling Marte was selected to play in the All-Star Game for the second time in his career.

August 2023: Engagement to Elianny Santana

In August 2023, Starling Marte got engaged to Elianny Santana.

2023: Injuries and Limited Play

In 2023, Starling Marte faced persistent injuries, including a neck strain and migraines, limiting his play to 86 games.

2024: Opening Day Home Run and Milestones

In 2024, Starling Marte hit the first home run of the Mets' season on Opening Day. He also recorded his 1,500th career hit and 150th career home run during the season.

2024: Postseason Performance

In the 2024 MLB postseason, Starling Marte played in 13 games, batting .277/.345/.362 with no home runs and 9 RBI. He had a two-out RBI single in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series and a strong performance in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series.