CLE
Angel Martinez, OF
Edit player ✎
FanGraphs →
MLB →
Scouting report
I wrote last year that among the many notable teenage infielders in this system, Martinez's speed and twitch give him the group's best chance to stay up the middle of the diamond. That sentiment was again trumpeted by scouts who saw the huge Cleveland Instructional League contingent in Arizona in the Fall. (You should notice that group has begun to striate throughout the system rather than be grouped together.) Martinez is a bit tightly wound but has the requisite footwork, hands, actions, and arm strength to play shortstop. I think it's possible the lack of bend/flexibility becomes more evident as he adds muscle, which may push him to center field. What's most exciting about Martinez, though, is how advanced and potent both of his swings are for a teenage switch-hitter. He's a shorter-levered guy, so both cuts are relatively short, which helps aid his bat-to-ball ability. The wrists drive what is currently doubles power (because of his speed, there are some triples too), both in raw pop and approach. He has a pull-oriented approach as a righty hitter, and while Martinez can lift balls down-and-in as a lefty, his swing is mostly geared for all-fields line drive contact from that side. This hitting style and Martinez's relatively modest physical projection (he's already a pretty ripped 6-feet) make me think the ultimate home run totals will be low but that he will still slug. He has catalytic qualities on offense and a chance to play a premium defensive position. (Alternate site, Fall Instructional League)