Cleveland Guardians outfielder Angel Martinez is breaking out right before our eyes. A frustrating hitter to watch in 2024 and 2025, the versatile switch-hitter has blossomed into a true asset from both sides of the plate in 2026.
Before Wednesday’s game, Martinez is slashing a cool .265/.309/.497 with a shocking nine home runs and eight stolen bases. He is not exactly an on-base machine, but the power-speed combo is very much real and makes him a difference-maker.
Martinez’s 124 wRC+ is, by far, a career-high to this point after finishing at 83 in 2024 and 74 last year. He has given manager Stephen Vogt solutions at the plate and on the field.
Martinez has been so good that there has been talk about him making his first All-Star team. It’s a long shot, sure, but it’s certainly not impossible.
“With how deep the outfield is across the board in the American League, I don’t know if it’s going to be possible for [Angel Martinez], unless he continues this. I’m assuming he’s going to get some dry spells here soon, just because it’s the game of baseball and a young guy like Martinez, who’s just 24 years old, is going to have bumps in the road,” analyst Cade Cracas said.
Who do you think can make the All-Star game for the #Guardians this season?
Angel Martinez seems like the obvious choice, but are there any others?#GuardsBall pic.twitter.com/FyyiIXFxGY
— Cade Cracas (@CracasCade) May 20, 2026
As of Wednesday afternoon, Martinez, the reigning AL Player of the Week, is ninth among players who are primarily outfielders in the junior circuit with his 124 wRC+ and also ninth with 1.2 fWAR. He has been borderline elite, but he still has a lot of competitors ahead of him in some key stats.
If he manages to keep up this pace well into June, then the conversation shifts, and the odds of him making the Midsummer Classic improve. It’s a tall task, but it’s doable.
To become an All-Star, Martinez has to compete with established outfield stars in the American League, such as Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Byron Buxton, Riley Greene, Mike Trout, Randy Arozarena, and several more. He may not be there yet, but he sure is among the most improved players in his circuit.
Martinez reaching the next level in his development has made the Guardians’ lineup longer and more effective against both lefties and righties. Whether the 24-year-old has another gear in him remains to be seen.
NEXT: Tigers Manager Has High Praise For Steven Kwan
