Chicago White Sox prospect profile: Luis Martinez
Continuing our series of previewing the White Sox Top-30 prospects, up next is Luis Martinez- the White Sox #29 ranked prospect.
In a farm system loaded with hard throwing talent, the White Sox have a serious sleeper in Luis Martinez.
Signed for $250,000 out of Venezuela as an amateur free agent in 2011, Martinez has had a rough path to the present day.
Martinez underwent Tommy John Surgery to repair an elbow injury a little while after his signing, forcing the right hander to be shelved until 2014- almost 3 years after his signing.
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In the years since his debut, Martinez has progressed through the White Sox three lowest minor league levels before finishing 2017 at High-A Winston-Salem.
Martinez had a 4.17 ERA combined between Single-A and High-A, but thrived at Single-A Kannapolis, pitching to a 8-2 record and 3.19 ERA in 14 starts.
Martinez has an average fastball which tops off around 95 MPH, with a decent slider and changeup to compliment his fastball. Martinez has struggled with his command throughout his young career, walking over 50 batters in his first two seasons before cutting down in 2017.
With several potential impact starting pitchers higher ranked in the White Sox farm system, Martinez might have a future in the big league bullpen. With a mid-90s fastball and developing secondary pitches, Martinez could shape out better in the bullpen, especially given his command struggles.
Martinez could be labeled a strikeout pitcher, striking out a combined 234 in 231 innings over the past two seasons. If Martinez can tidy up his command, and develop a nasty slider, the White Sox might have a future bullpen ace in Martinez.
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In a time where knockout relieving is ever so valuable in the big leagues, Martinez’ makeup and developing arsenal could be the perfect combination for future bullpen success.
At the age of 22, Martinez is entering his fourth full professional season. While Martinez has been a starter for his first three seasons, a transition to the bullpen could speed his progression through minor league levels. Given the needed development a adjustments, Martinez’ ETA is late 2019.