Not to be confused with the former Phillies and Giants reliever of the same name, Marte signed with the Royals for $77,500 in 2022. He spent almost all of his first three years as a pro in Rookie leagues, with a meniscus issue in his knee delaying his full-season debut until September 2024. He has been one of the best pitchers in the Single-A Carolina League this year.
Standing 6-foot-5, Marte can generate good extension and get on top of batters from a high three-quarters release. His fastball can touch 97 mph, and he’s typically in the 92-95 range with running movement. He can manipulate the shape of his 84-87 mph slider well, and paired with the run of his fastball, it has made for a deadly combo against righties.
Lefties have had more success against Marte because his 85-88 mph changeup with splitter action is still a bit firm, but it’s trending in the right direction and should become at least an average pitch as he throws it more often. He brings some energy to his delivery, yet even at his size, he repeats it well enough to keep strikes coming. He's a potential No. 4 starter with the fallback of a reliever with two solid offerings if his cambio doesn't develop.
