Jeter Martinez Opens Mariners’ Eyes With Strong Pro Debut
Jeter Martinez doesn’t turn 18 until next February. The 6-foot-4, 180-pound righthander still has plenty of space left to fill out.
The former position player has a low-mileage arm. He took up pitching just two years ago.
In other words, the hard-throwing Martinez might only be scratching the surface of his potential.
That makes his early pro success—and a fastball that’s already touching 95 mph— even more intriguing.
“It’s just a really exciting combination early on,” Mariners farm director Justin Toole said.
After signing with Seattle for $600,000 in January, Martinez opened his pro career with a dominant first two months in the Dominican Summer League.
He posted a 35% strikeout rate over his first eight outings, with 48 punchouts in 36 innings.
He recorded a 0.83 WHIP. He logged a 2.00 ERA, including just four earned runs allowed over his first 33.1 innings.
And he even spearheaded a combined no-hitter, retiring 18 of 20 batters in six scoreless innings against the DSL Cardinals on July 20.
“Probably the biggest thing that jumps out is, at his young age, how he’s been able to command the ball,” Toole said. “He’s been able to get ahead of hitters and put himself in a good spot to be able to let his pitches work.”
Martinez primarily leans on a fastball/slider combo, while also mixing in a changeup.
Since signing, he already has increased his velocity by a few ticks. His fastball now sits 92-93 mph.
The Mariners hope more gains are ahead.
“Definitely excited to see how he matures and how he develops physically,” Toole said. “Hopefully he’ll get bigger and stronger (and) be able to add some velo with that.”
Martinez also has a smooth delivery, which stems from his natural athleticism.
“He’s so projectable,” Toole said. “That’s a big reason why we liked him in the international signing period, and obviously he’s hit the ground running.
“It’s just been an awesome start to his career.”
MARINADE
— The Mariners promoted 19-year-old outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez and 20-year-old shortstop Cole Young to High-A Everett in mid July. Gonzalez led the California League in batting average, hitting .348/.403/.530 with nine home runs in 73 games with Low-A Modesto. Young, a 2022 first-round pick, batted .267/.396/.429 with five homers and 17 stolen bases in 78 games with Modesto.
— The Mariners promoted 24-year-old righthander Jimmy Joyce to Double-A Arkansas on July 30. After missing nearly the first two months of the season with an injury, Joyce posted a 1.60 ERA in 39.1 innings with High-A Everett. He totaled 54 strikeouts and just 10 walks, while recording a 0.97 WHIP.
— Outfielder Cade Marlowe and righthanded relievers Prelander Berroa, Isaiah Campbell and Devin Sweet made their major league debuts in July. The Mariners have had nine players make their debuts this season, which was tied for fourth-most in the majors.
