Starling Marte is the Pittsburgh Pirates best offensive player, almost hands down. Over the last five years, the Pirates center fielder has had one season in which he was below average – this past one where he was suspended 80 games – and four seasons in which he was at least 15 percent above average (wRC+). He has consistently slugged over .440, once again save 2017, and the two highest non-pitcher league average slugging percentages are .433 and .425, occurring in 2017 and 2016 respectively. Marte is clearly an above average hitter, yet he is batting sixth when the Pirates open up Thursday.
The Problem With Starling Marte Batting Sixth
