Angel Martinez knows his role on the Cleveland Guardians is secure, at least for now. He’ll have to perform to keep it, but he’s ready to do whatever’s necessary to have a successful season.
The versatile outfielder faced some serious competition for his roster spot in spring training, with more players at the position than there were jobs available. While others faltered or were injured, Martinez rose to the occasion and is set to embark on his third MLB campaign.
Martinez recently opened up on his mindset going into the 2026 season, with the switch-hitter saying he’s focused on doing his best and having fun.
“On the right side, just keep doing the same thing. Do what I do. At the left side, keep working my rhythm, be on time, and be able to just have fun. Don’t think too much and go out there and do what I do. Going up to the big leagues, we think that there’s something different up here. Sometimes, we try to do too much. We just try to keep having fun. Go there, give my best, and keep having fun,” Martinez said.
Angel Martínez joins @DreKnott in the 6th to talk readiness for the regular season! #GuardsSpring pic.twitter.com/mu5eHtGB1e
— GuardsTV (@GuardsTV) March 22, 2026
The 24-year-old was a key player for the Guardians last season, appearing in 139 games and serving as their primary center fielder. However, with emerging outfield prospects Chase DeLauter and George Valera expected to handle big roles, Nolan Jones having been re-signed, and left fielder Steven Kwan switching positions, Martinez could have become the odd man out.
Instead, he has proven his value by batting .350 with an OPS of 1.245 that includes four home runs in 16 spring games. At one point, he even led all of MLB spring training in extra-base hits.
His ability to play every outfield position also proved to be beneficial. Valera will begin the season on the injured list with a calf issue, and Jones performed so poorly that he was optioned to Triple-A.
That leaves Martinez, DeLauter, and Kwan as Cleveland’s likely outfielders in the Opening Day lineup. Kwan, a four-time Gold Glove left fielder, could stay there with Martinez able to man center field, or manager Stephen Vogt could follow through on his plan to use Kwan in center with Martinez in left and DeLauter in right.
With a career MLB batting average of .226 and an OPS of .630, Martinez’s spring numbers are unlikely to fully translate over to the regular season. But if he can improve his performance against right-handed pitchers, he could be in line for a breakout year.
However it works out, Martinez looks like he’s ready to approach it with the proper attitude.
NEXT: Guardians Pitcher Named As Potential Breakout Candidate In 2026
