The Braves are designating outfielder J.P. Martinez for project, studies Francys Romero. The staff has not but introduced the DFA or a corresponding transaction.
Acquired in an offseason swap that despatched minor league righty Tyler Owens to the Rangers, the 28-year-old Martinez is a former high-profile signee out of Cuba who has seen restricted huge league motion with Texas and Atlanta. Martinez made his MLB debut final 12 months with the Rangers, hitting .225/.250/.325 in a tiny pattern of 44 plate appearances. This 12 months, he’s seen even much less MLB time, going 2-for-10 with the Braves.
Although he hasn’t seen a lot MLB time and hasn’t hit nicely in his tiny cups of espresso, Martinez has a pleasant total observe report in Triple-A — regardless of middling numbers there in 2024. He’s hitting .244/.335/.360 so far with the Braves’ Gwinnett affiliate however was excellent with the Rangers’ high affiliate a 12 months in the past. In all, he’s performed components of three Triple-A seasons and slashed .258/.369/.450 in 777 plate appearances. He’s proven each energy and pace within the higher minors, belting 23 Triple-A homers whereas going 72-for-82 in stolen base makes an attempt. He’s performed all three outfield spots in his skilled profession however has spent the vast majority of his time in heart area.
Martinez has struggled with contact points all through his minor league tenure, typically working strikeout charges within the upper-20s and low-30s. He appeared to have reined that in final 12 months with a manageable 22.9% strikeout price in Triple-A, however that quantity has spiked again to 27.6% in 2024.
The Braves could have a 5 days to commerce Martinez or place him on outright waivers. Going by way of waivers would then be a 48-hour course of.
