Converted infielder Liomar Martinez off to eye-popping start on the mound

[Alex Carver]

Signed by the Marlins more than three years ago, Martinez has broken out as one of the best pitchers in MiLB so far this season.

It's one thing to make a good early impression; Liomar Martinez has taken it a step further. Two outings into his 2025 season, the right-hander has not only caught the attention of the Marlins but all of Minor League Baseball.

Martinez was signed by the Marlins at age 16 as part of the 2021-22 international class. A native of Sousa, DR, he was discovered by the same scout that first laid eyes on Eury Pérez. According to Angel Izquiredo, his acquisition was partially the result of happenstance.

“He is originally from Puerto Playa, but that day he was trying out in Bonao for the Pirates. I went to see some arms apart (from him) at the cages, not on the field because the other team was having a closed tryout,” Izquierdo said. “However, after I finished my duties, when I was heading to my car, I saw from far this little lanky, really skinny, loosy arm on the mound. I couldn’t get close, being respectful to other colleagues from the other team, but damn, there was a lot to project and a really loose arm.”

Being a closed workout, Izquierdo had to be creative when it came to getting a closer look at Martinez.

“I remember sending a little kid, offering him a ball to record from behind the plate. He actually did it. Not the best video, but was enough for me to be at his academy in Puerto Playa the next day and having my director (Roman) Ocumarez rush to come and see this kid.”

Coming out of his first viewing of Martinez, Izquierdo credited the 16-year-old as a converted shortstop with a two-pitch mix with room to add more size and more stuff. Present tools included a quick, loose three-quarters arm action and a fastball up to 89 mph with tail and more velo to come with natural progression. His curveball was up to 75 mph with late break. It graded as 55+. According to the report, Martinez was already throwing a changeup with fringe action. Overall, Izquierdo saw good repeatability mound presence, and aggression.

After Ocumarez laid eyes on Martinez, he was inked for a minuscule $80,000 during the 2021-22 signing period.

“He is an impressive young man. Hyper-athletic with that clean arm action you look for, which is even more impressive given that he had recently converted to pitching,” former international scouting director Adrian Lorenzo said. “His journey wasn’t a straight shot upward, but he always flashed promise.”

After breaking into pro ball with the DSL Marlins in 2022 and making his stateside debut in 2023, Martinez began to build stuff and confidence last season. As a member of the FCL Marlins, he made 11 appearances including 10 starts with a 3.89 ERA. He didn’t have dominant strikeout numbers, but held down a low 1.18 WHIP and limited the opposition to just a .171 BA, earning a late-season call-up to Low-A. 

This season, Martinez is back in Jupiter starting his first full season in pro ball. Through two appearances, the 19-year-old righty leads the Florida State League in strikeouts with 17. That marker also ranks 22nd in all of MiLB. Both of Martinez’s appearances have come in relief. He’s thrown a total of just 7 ⅔ innings. A standout improvement for Martinez has been the velocity on his sinker, which has risen from a 90.8 mph average last season to 93.7 mph this year. Control and command of that pitch and his curveball that dips down to 77 mph has allowed him to change eye levels and get some ugly swings.

Martinez is also mixing in a changeup averaging 88 mph, which is showing improved arm-side fade. His fourth pitch is his four-seamer, topping out at 95 mph.

Still growing physically, Martinez has time and natural talent both on his side. He is already showing a great mix of velocities and the ability to be placed all over the strike zone. He could come by even more strength, size and stuff, but he’s already sitting pretty with the ceiling of an eventual MLB starter.

He’s not yet on top prospect lists, but if he continues on his current track, that will change very shortly. Martinez turns 20 on June 25.

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[BMK3]

All spring training I have been calling the Marlins a total dumpster fire.  I officially rescind that.  They appear to be a fun team and I am looking forward to their games.  That's all I wanted. I don't expect a World Series title or even a playoff appearance, just somewhat competitive baseball.  I still want Burger and Luzardo back.  Go Marlins!!