Amazin' Avenue · Dec 1, 2021
Getting to know Mets center fielder Starling Marte
Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty ImagesAs a teenager in the Dominican Republic, Starling Marte began his baseball career as a shortstop. Although former international scouting director for the Pirates Rene Gayo wanted to sign Marte, others in the organization were not persuaded, partially due to his poor defense at shortstop. Then, two things happened: Marte became an outfielder and he showed up to a workout he wasn’t invited to. In 2007, the Pirates signed the 18-year-old Marte for $85,000.