Joan Martinez

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Boston Red Sox #24 prospect in 2018
  Martinez slipped through the scouting cracks, permitting the Red Sox to sign the wiry righty with intriguing arm speed to a bonus of just $5,000 as a 19-year-old in early 2016. Martinez has done nothing but dominate while moving through the system in a late-innings role, combining standout velocity (96-98 mph) with a slider that was inconsistent but had moments that it could be evaluated as a potential plus pitch with plenty of refinement. Martinez forged a 1.11 ERA in 32.1 innings split between short-season Lowell and low Class A Greenville in 2017. He hasn't struck out as many batters (24.8 percent in 2017) as might be expected from the power of his fastball, but the arm-side action on the pitch has kept it off barrels and allowed him to pitch in to righthanders, making him a very uncomfortable at-bat. A number of mechanical improvements would also help Martinez's stock. Namely, he needs to add deception to his delivery, work to get over his front side more often and stay on line toward home plate. If he can accomplish that, Martinez has back-end potential with a chance to move quickly as a strike-thrower on a straight relief track.