Lineup construction is one of the most fascinating topics of discussion among baseball fans and analysts. There are different theories, all with some logic to them.
Some people think that teams should use a high-OBP guy who walks a lot as the leadoff hitter. Others believe that the best offensive player in the squad should get the nod because he will get the most plate appearances over the course of the long season.
Another theory is that placing a hitter with power at the top pays dividends. That’s exactly what Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com is suggesting for the Cleveland Guardians and one of their hottest hitters: Angel Martinez.
Martinez’s 3.5 percent walk rate is the lowest on the team, so he might not be the best fit at the top of the lineup in the minds of many. However, he does have power, evidenced by his nine home runs so far in 2026.
“The Guardians like Martinez hitting first against left-handers, but they’re still searching for someone to face right-handers. The switch-hitting Martinez could solve the problem. He’s hitting .268 (26 for 97) with seven homers, 19 RBI and a .881 OPS against right-handers. The Dodgers, Phillies, Twins and Rays like to use their run producers at the top of the lineup. Not that Martinez is a pure power hitter, but it offers an interesting possibility for Vogt,” Hoynes wrote.
Martinez, including 2026, has a 117 wRC+ against lefties and a 72 mark against righties in his career. A 100 wRC+ is considered league-average offensive performance, so he has been very good while facing southpaws, but subpar against right-handed hurlers.
However, he has learned how to hit right-handers this year, enjoying an excellent 136 wRC+, compared to a 102 mark vs. lefties. As Hoynes states, he has been very productive vs. righties, which has eliminated the platoon label when discussing how to deploy him.
If the Guardians want to go with someone who likes to take his pitches and get walks, Steven Kwan, Daniel Schneemann, and Travis Bazzana are better, more suitable alternatives. However, if they want a guy who can make things happen on the basepaths but who also boasts some power, Martinez is their best bet.
That’s the beauty of having lots of talented hitters with different profiles. The manager actually has multiple options to choose from.
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