Newcomer To Keep An Eye On: Nolan Martinez, RHP
Birthdate: 6/30/98 (18 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: rookie
Stats in 2016: 7 IP, 3.86 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 14.29 BB%, 10.71 K%
Martinez used the modern measurements of the game to really help his stock in the 2016 draft.
Coming into the 2016 season, Martinez was a very solid prospect, considered a likely two-way player for San Diego State before he went to the summer showcases in 2015 with the rest of the 2016 draft class.
His fastball had the highest recorded spin rate of any pitcher that was recorded at the World Wood Bat Association World Championship, and that suddenly caught the attention of many teams who saw Martinez as a guy to gamble on after the 11th round as a likely college player to a guy to target in the early rounds.
The Yankees selected Martinez in the 3rd round and gave him an above-slot bonus to sign with the team. He was one of the youngest players in the draft, so he still has some projection in his 6’2 frame.
Martinez works with a fastball that currently touches 95 with that high spin rate. He also utilizes a power curve that often gets mistaken for a slider due to its sharp break, though he needs to build more depth to it.
Like most teens, Martinez’s change is behind his other pitches, but he has a great chance to start with solid control and the ability to develop even more velocity as he physically matures.
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