Houston Astros Top Ten Prospects For 2017
2. Francis Martes, RHP
Birthdate: 11/24/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA
Stats in 2016: 125 1/3 IP, 3.30 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 8.97 BB%, 25 K%
Martes was another sign of the excellent job the Astros do scouting the lower levels of the minor leagues, when they were able to snag Martes from the Marlins in the Jarred Cosart deal in 2014.
Martes’ signature pitch has been his elite fastball that sits 93-95 while flirting with triple digits. He gets great late movement on the pitch low in the zone, though the pitch does tend to flatten when he gets it up in the zone.
His curve has become an elite power curve, with hard break and high-end velocity for a curve, which throws off hitters that expect a slider at the velocity he throws, but get the depth of a curve.
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Martes saw his change take a step backward in my viewing this season, and in talking with folks around the game, more and more seem to believe that Martes will be a reliever, whereas the consensus after 2015 was that there was plenty to dream on that Martes could start.
Martes saw his control took a step back as well from plus level in 2015 to above average and even average in 2016, which is another reason some worry about the relief projection.
As a reliever, Martes would be an incredibly elite one, likely immediately one of the absolutely top-level relievers, and he would probably find his way to Houston in short order if he made that move.
Of course, Martes is just 21 this November after pitching in AA all season at 20 years old, so he has time to build on his change and his control.
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