Angel Martinez struggled mightily at the plate last year in his debut season for the Cleveland Guardians, but he has hit well in Spring Training and could be ready to take a big step forward in 2026. He hit just .224 with a .628 OPS and will likely cede his center field duties to Steven Kwan this year, but he is also the only righty in this suddenly crowded outfield and can be a legitimate weapon if he can up his OPS over .700.
However, in Spring, his OPS is over 1.000 and he is showing things fans never saw in 2025. He not only looks much improved from when he was one of the worst everyday hitters in baseball last year, but he now looks like one of the best hitters in Spring Training as evidenced by a recent stat.
Cleveland.com’s Paul Hoynes recently touched on this in his latest article and pointed out that Martinez’s nine extra-base hits are tied with Shea Langeliers and Max Muncy of the Athletics for the most in the Cactus League. It’s an incredible step forward after collecting just 36 extra base hits in 446 at-bats last season.
“Angel Martinez is tied for the Cactus League lead with nine extra base hits. He shares the lead with Shea Langeliers and Max Muncy of the A’s,” Hoynes wrote.
If Martinez wasn’t hitting like this in Spring, it would have been easy to see a path where he saw his playing time drastically reduced in 2026. Chase DeLauter, CJ Kayfus, and George Valera are breathing down his neck and are going to see a lot of playing time this season, with veterans like Nolan Jones (who might not make the team) and Daniel Schneemann seeing the biggest hit to their at-bats.
Another thing Martinez has going for him is that he is the only member of this crowded outfield who bats from the right side of the plate. This lineup, in general, is desperate for somebody to emerge from the right side this year, and Martinez being that guy would be a pleasant surprise.
It’s easy to forget that Martinez only just turned 24 and that the version of him fans saw last year could be the worst version of him. Hopefully, this offensive production can carry over past Opening Day and the team has another young star on its hands.
NEXT: Guardians Prospect Is Drawing Comparisons To Jose Ramirez
