Ex-Pirates outfielder Starling Marte says Diamondbacks can 'win it'

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Starling Marte has fond memories of his eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, especially the stretch from 2013 to 2015 when the franchise made it to the playoffs three straight seasons.

A few minutes of research revealed his new team has a great chance to get him back to the postseason.

Marte was the final big addition of the offseason for the Arizona Diamondbacks after a late January trade that sent two prospects back to the Pirates. The D-backs hope his presence — likely close to the top of a promising young lineup — can help the franchise make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

“When I looked at their roster I was like, ‘Wow, this team has a chance to make the playoffs and win it,’ ” Marte said Friday after reporting to camp a few days early. “So I’m coming here to do my best and help the guys as much as I can and play hard.”

Marte, 31, was a mainstay in the Pirates’ lineup the past eight years, playing mostly left field in his early years before shifting to center. He’s a two-time Gold Glove winner in left field, made the All-Star team in 2016 and is coming off one of his best seasons, when he hit .295 with a career-high 23 homers and 82 RBIs and also stole 25 bases.

“He’s got a presence. He’s got a very good baseball personality,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “He knows what it takes to win. He’s been in an organization where the Pirates were very good for a long time. We just want him to come over here and be himself.”

Marte’s most valuable asset might be his ability to play center field on an everyday basis. His presence likely bumps last year’s breakout star Ketel Marte — no relation — back to second base for the majority of his playing time. Ketel Marte moved to center for a big chunk of last season and played well but said he prefers the infield.