Stats Show How Dominant Angel Martinez Has Been In Past 5 Games

Heading into the 2026 MLB season, Angel Martinez’s role with the Cleveland Guardians was somewhat in doubt. He was the team’s regular center fielder last year, but the plan was to move Steven Kwan there from his regular position of left field.

That was in part to make the transition easier for rookie outfielders Chase DeLauter and George Valera, who were expected to be more comfortable in the corner positions rather than facing the demands of center field in their first full major league season. That alignment would have left Martinez as the odd man out.

But in spring training, Martinez performed well, and Valera suffered a calf injury that kept him off the Opening Day roster. Given an opportunity, Martinez took full advantage and has been one of Cleveland’s best players so far this season.

In particular, stats show how dominant Martinez has been in the past five games, reaching levels usually reserved for his mentor, Jose Ramirez, in the past.

“‘The Protégé’ is coming into his own,” the Guardians posted.

The Protégé is coming into his own.#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/AzJc9wqyQm

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 18, 2026

In those five games, Martinez has hit four home runs with seven RBIs, eight runs scored, and a 1.053 OPS. That includes his team-leading ninth home run in a win against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

For the season, Martinez is fourth on the team with a .266 batting average and 38 hits, third with 24 RBIs, tied for third with eight doubles, and tied for second with eight stolen bases. The switch-hitter has certainly earned his playing time, appearing in 44 of Cleveland’s 48 games, with 22 starts in left field, 10 in right, and three in center.

This offensive breakthrough in his third season has been vital for the Guardians, as its lineup has been limited by extended slumps from Ramirez, Kwan, Kyle Manzardo, and Bo Naylor. Martinez, Brayan Rocchio, Chase DeLauter, and Travis Bazzana are emerging as Cleveland’s new young core.

It is very encouraging to see a 24-year-old like Martinez rise to the occasion, and, as luck would have it, he may have secured a prominent role for years to come.