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Starling Marte runs his way into record books

By David Hill

Aug 28, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Starling Marte (2) steals third base as New York Yankees third baseman Rougned Odor (12) leaps during the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Starling Marte (2) steals third base as New York Yankees third baseman Rougned Odor (12) leaps during the third inning at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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It is not hyperbolic to say that Starling Marte has had an impact upon the Oakland A’s that is unlike any that has been seen in major league history. He literally hit the ground running, and seemingly has not stopped during his time with the A’s.

His running ways have already been historic. Marte is the first player in MLB history to steal at least 20 bases in each league in the same season.

Starling Marte on historic run with Oakland A’s

It did not take long for Marte to reach that plateau in Oakland. He has been with the team for just over a month and has been running wild for that entire time. In fact, he is a perfect 20 for 20 in stolen base attempts since coming over to the American League.

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Likewise, it is hardly surprising that he has been one of the A’s best players since he was acquired. He had produced a stellar .342/.375/.458 batting line in his 128 plate appearances entering Tuesday, hitting six doubles and two homers. However, his greatest asset has been his speed, with those aforementioned 20 steals.

Marte is also running his way towards an impressive payday in free agency. While he does not lead either league in steals due to having been traded, his 42 steals leads the majors. With an overall 134 OPS+, solid pop to go along with that speed, and excellent defense, Marte will be a coveted player in free agency.

He is also showing why the A’s should open up the vaults to keep him in town. Marte has added an element that the lineup desperately needed, being a catalyst that can spark what has occasionally been a moribund offense. However, while every steal helps in 2021, those bases also likely leave him that much further outside of the A’s budget.

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Starling Marte has been running wild for the Oakland A’s. In just one month, he has already made major league history on the basepaths.