Starling Marte: Top Five Outfielder in 2016

Starling Marte has been a solid player over the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Yet, he was even better this season. He will continue to climb the ranks in 2016.

The Pittsburgh Pirates had one of the best offenses in the league, finishing in the top 10 in hits, stolen bases and batting average. We know the superstar player the Pirates are lucky to have, but there is another outfielder that keeps on improving throughout the years. If you are looking for a cheap(ish) outfielder, look for Starling Marte. 

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Marte made an appearance for the Pirates during the 2012 season. He hit five home runs and 17 RBI and stole 12 bases in 47 games. He became the starting left fielder the following season, hitting 12 home runs, 35 RBI and .280 with 41 stolen bases. In 2014, he hit 13 home runs, 56 RBI and .291 with 30 stolen bases.

This season was another step in the right direction for Starling Marte. He stole 30 bases again, but the power numbers improved as well. He crushed 19 home runs with 81 RBI and a .287 batting average. The fact he was able to keep a steady batting average and stolen bases while increasing his power stats made Marte a very valuable fantasy player.

Fantasy owners knew the value Marte would possess. He was drafted in the fifth round (47.1 ADP) in ESPN leagues and owned in 97 percent of them by the end of the season. He finished as the eighth-best outfielder and 25th overall on the Player Rater.

Marte had a career-best strikeout rate (19.4 percent) and HR/FB rate (18.6 percent). While his walk rate was bad, he was able to produce at the plate. Despite posting a career-high swing percentage at pitches outside the strike zone, his .287 average ranked 20th among all outfielders.

Starling Marte is the second-best hitter on his team. He has developed more power to combine with his contact and speed. He has the potential to be a 20 HR/30 SB/.285 hitter, and those kind of numbers are hard to find in baseball. Most hitters can do one or two, but having all three is a rarity.

Next: Nori Aoki: Fantasy Revelant in 2016?

The outfield position is rich with talent. There were some talents that broke through and veterans that remained atop the rankings. Starling Marte is just 27 years old and entering the prime of his career. With the surrounding members of the Pirates lineup, Marte has the ability to be a top-five outfielder.

Projections: 152 hits, 18 home runs, 65 RBI, 29 SBs, .284 batting average

Draft: Round 5