The Oakland A’s solidified their outfield by adding Starling Marte. Right field, which had been a gaping hole in terms of production, was now taken care of, with Marte presumably sliding over. After all, the A’s have their own Gold Glove caliber center fielder in Ramon Laureano, who has claimed center for his own.
But that is not the case. Instead, Laureano has volunteered to head to right, as he wants Marte to feel comfortable in his new surroundings.
Bob Melvin said Ramón Laureano "actually came to me and said 'Play this guy in center field'" about Marte. "Everybody’s just happy to have him and we want to make him as comfortable as we can be."
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) July 29, 2021
Ramon Laureano giving up his place for Starling Marte
The idea that Laureano would give up center field for Marte would seem peculiar. The incumbent A’s outfielder has saved eight runs in center this year, the third most in the American League. With his highlight reel catches and ability to track down virtually everything, switching positions should not be an option.
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However, Laureano has been excellent in right field in limited playing time. Although he has just 15 games in right in his career, he has saved five runs at the position. His excellent throwing arm is an asset there as well, as he already has three outfield assists as a right fielder. He would certainly be an upgrade defensively over Stephen Piscotty.
Marte is not a slouch defensively either. The two time former Gold Glove winner may not be at Laureano’s level, but he has saved four runs in center and notched six outfield assists. That level of defense is certainly solid, and is strong enough where Laureano’s willingness to move over is not an overall negative.
In the end, it is about that comfort level. Marte will have little time to acclimate to Oakland, being thrust into a playoff race while his contract has just a couple of months left. If staying in center will help Marte adjust and allow him to be the piece that the A’s need, then that is exactly what they should do.
Ramon Laureano is moving over to help Starling Marte feel comfortable with the Oakland A’s. Such a move will make the outfield that much better.