Pirates Top Prospects No. 24: Can Jeter Martinez Stick as Starting Pitcher?
This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
One of the prospects the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired at this past trade deadline was right-hander Jeter Martinez.
The Pirates landed the 19-year-old from the Seattle Mariners in a deal for left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson. Given that Ferguson is set to hit free agency following the season, netting a top 30 prospect looked like good value.
MLB Pipeline ranked Martinez, a native of Mexico, as the 42nd-best international prospect in 2023. Seattle signed him for $600,000.
Martinez began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League in 2023 and went 2-2 with a 1.72 ERA. In 47 innings, he allowed just 17 hits, walked 20 and struck out 55.
The Mariners shifted Martinez to the Arizona Complex League in 2024. In 13 appearances/11 starts, Martinez owned a 3.86 ERA. While the right-hander again posted solid strikeout totals (49 in 39.2 innings) and did a good job limiting hits (30), he issued 31 free passes.
Command issues continued to plague Martinez this past season with Modesto in the California League. In 65 innings before getting traded to the Pirates, Martinez went 2-7 with a 7.06 ERA and walked 42 batters in 65 innings. He also struck out 66.
Martinez made two appearances with the Bradenton Marauders after joining the Pirates and allowed eight runs on seven hits with four walks and six strikeouts in 2.1 innings.
The 6-foot-4 Martinez possesses a solid three-pitch mix headlined by two plus pitches — a fastball and slider — as well as a changeup. The biggest key for Martinez will be to prove he can harness his stuff and find much more consistency in the zone.
While there’s still starter potential for the teenage right-hander, if command issues stay present as he continues to develop in the organization, a transition to the bullpen might be the best option for everyone.
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