There were a few players the Cleveland Guardians were counting on to take the next step in their careers at the plate. Kyle Manzardo and Bo Naylor were among those who were expected to show improvement and bring more production to the lineup.
Not as much was probably expected from outfielder Angel Martinez, although at just 24 years old, the potential was certainly there. It turns out that Martinez has exceeded even the most optimistic projections for him this season, and he has become one of Cleveland’s best and most indispensable hitters.
After his latest hot streak, Martinez is now the reigning AL Player of the Week, and he is reacting to the notable award with gratitude and a level head.
“I don’t like trying to get too high, because then the focus goes away. But feels pretty special, though, like all the work that I’ve been putting on, like finally showing up,” Martinez said.
#Guardians OF Angel Martinez told reporters in Detroit that he is happy to see his hard work paying off, leading to being named AL Player of the Week:
"I don't like trying to get too high, because then the focus goes away. But feels pretty special, though, like all the work that… https://t.co/DTUSR1ZPB3
— Mason Horodyski (@MasonHorodyski) May 18, 2026
During the week that ended Sunday, May 17, Martinez was 7-for-19 with four home runs and seven RBIs. That included his team-leading ninth home run, which gave Cleveland the lead in its comeback win against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.
That is a good indication of how valuable Martinez has been to the Guardians, as his recent hot streak coincides with Cleveland’s best results of the year. After defeating the Detroit Tigers on Monday, the Guardians have won six of their past seven games and nine of their past 12.
Martinez has been consistent throughout the year, which has allowed Cleveland to remain successful while other hitters, including Manzardo, Naylor, and Jose Ramirez, were going through prolonged slumps. While Naylor has been demoted to the minors, Manzardo and Ramirez have started to turn things around, giving a needed boost to the offense.
For the season, Martinez is batting .270 with an .821 OPS, after he did not bat above .240 or have an OPS above .640 in his first two MLB seasons. He is part of an emerging young core that includes rookies Chase Delauter and Travis Bazzana, and returnee Brayan Rocchio, who is having a breakout offensive season of his own.
If Martinez can keep this up, he should remain a key part of the Guardians’ lineup for years to come.
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