Pirates Preview: Angels in the Outfield

By Mark Powell | Mar 2, 2016

Oct 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielders Starling Marte (6) and Andrew McCutchen (center) and Gregory Polanco (right) celebrate in the outfield after defeating the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. The Pirates won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 28, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Starling Marte (6) reacts after striking out with the bases loaded against the St. Louis Cardinals during the third inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Starling Marte

Marte is a tough player to figure out. His strikeout percentage dropped under 20% in 2015 for the first time in his career, yet his walk percentage and OBP were the lowest he’s ever had.

This points to one of two things: either Marte is putting more balls in play while improving his plate discipline, or last year was a fluke. To counter that first argument, the left fielder’s batting average on balls in play was the lowest of his career, go figure.

At this point, we know what Marte is—a strikeout prone hitter with electric speed and surprising power. If he can hit behind McCutchen for most the season, and continues to cut down on his strikeouts, he could make his first All-Star appearance.

Next: Gregory Polanco