Headlines

  • Cody Bellinger Has Hairline Fracture In Left Leg
  • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings
  • MLB To Experiment With New DH Rule, Mound Distance During 2021 Atlantic League Season
  • Astros, Martin Maldonado Finalizing One-Year Extension
  • James Paxton To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery
  • 2021 Trade Deadline Will Be July 30
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Cuban Prospect Leon’ys Martin Nears Free Agency

By Mark Polishuk | March 1, 2011 at 7:19pm CDT

Leon'ys Martin is likely to be declared a free agent possibly as soon as this week, ESPN's Jorge Arangure (Twitter link) hears from Martin's agent, Bart Hernandez.  Arangure reports that Martin has been scouted by several teams over the last few months while he has been working out in Mexico, his home since defecting from Cuba last year.

Martin, 22, is a left-handed hitting outfielder "whose best tools are his speed and defense," according to Baseball America's John Manuel, who also notes that Martin had a .492 OBP during the 08-09 season in Cuba's top professional league and "showed at least average range" in center field.  Martin was a bench player for Cuba during the 2009 World Baseball Classic, picking up two hits in seven at-bats.

According to Arangure, Martin is "considered an elite prospect" who looks to earn more than Adeiny Hechavarria and Jose Iglesias, two other recent high-profile Cuban signings.  Hechavarria inked a four-year, $10MM contract with Toronto in April, while Iglesias signed a four-year, $8.25MM deal with Boston in July 2009.

Share 0 Retweet 11 Send via email0

Leonys Martin

Brewers Discussing Extension With Casey McGehee
Main
Cody Ross Hopes For Long-Term Deal With Giants
38 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. jwsox

    10 years ago

    kenny get on this…even if his obp drops to .400 its a solid pick up to replace juan pierre in left next season

    Like
    Reply
  2. MauerPower

    10 years ago

    The Twins should consider signing him, even though they already have some ML depth at the position.

    Like
    Reply
  3. BVHjays

    10 years ago

    Calling it now… Blue Jays.

    Like
    Reply
  4. Ian_Smell

    10 years ago

    That’s a sweet name.

    Like
    Reply
    • start_wearing_purple

      10 years ago

      I’m still trying to figure out how to pronounce it.

      Like
      Reply
  5. Knowname

    10 years ago

    if he were 19 I’d be happy, but too me 22 is just too old. Unless he can show he’s already adjusted to American sports. But as a bench player in the WBC… I don’t think so.

    Like
    Reply
    • LUWahooNatFan

      10 years ago

      It’s not like he’s 27 or 28 years old.. If he isn’t ready for the big leagues put him in AA or AAA for a few years and maybe he makes the majors

      Like
      Reply
    • start_wearing_purple

      10 years ago

      “22 is just too old”

      I think that statement would seriously depress my father.

      Like
      Reply
    • jayrig5

      10 years ago

      So, any college senior who doesn’t immediately jump to the big leagues is a wasted draft pick,huh?

      Like
      Reply
  6. Ferrariman

    10 years ago

    he’s already 22…

    Like
    Reply
    • grownice

      10 years ago

      He’s only 22…

      Like
      Reply
      • WisBrave

        10 years ago

        Or 25-26, depending on his actual age.

        Like
        Reply
  7. Kenneth

    10 years ago

    Everything about this screams Braves well except for the multi million dollar bonus…

    Like
    Reply
  8. jwsox

    10 years ago

    why is everyone reacting to his age so harshly…most players dont crack the majors let alone as a starter untill 24 or 25. 22 is young and its not like he is in his late 20’s

    Like
    Reply
  9. grownice

    10 years ago

    Blue Jays… 4 years 11 million, Just a guess.

    Like
    Reply
  10. corey23

    10 years ago

    There needs to be an international draft, or players should have to enter the amateur draft like college players.

    Like
    Reply
    • raffish

      10 years ago

      Nah. The free-agent approach allows for many teams to add talent to their systems. The draft is tipped heavily in favor of the big market clubs who can spend much more money and collect additional picks by trading for expensive type A/B players at the deadline.

      Like
      Reply
  11. grownice

    10 years ago

    Incase your too lazy to click the link ;)

    “Martin, whose age is listed as 22, left Cuba after playing for the country’s national team in Taiwan during the FISU World University Championships. He batted leadoff frequently for Cuba in that tournament, which is limited to players age 27 and under. He was on the 18U junior-national team in 2006 as well, so his age appears to be quite believable. As a 21-year-old, Martin was a reserve on the 2009 World Baseball Classic team.He’s a lefthanded hitter whose best tools are his speed and defense. He’s a plus runner at least, being timed in 4.1 seconds to first base from the left side in Taiwan, and showed strong small-ball skills, with the ability to drag bunt for hits and handle the bat on the hit-and-run. He also played center field and showed at least average range. Martin also hit .326 with 10 home runs in the last Serie Nacional, Cuba’s top-level league, while playing for Villa Clara, and has drawn plenty of walks in Cuba, posting a .311/.492/.491 line in 2008-2009, when he drew 78 bases on balls and ranked second in the league with 17 steals (in a 90-game season).”

    Like
    Reply
  12. bob

    10 years ago

    This has Royals written all over it…THANKS GIL MECHE!

    Like
    Reply
  13. Ben Roth

    10 years ago

    Dombrowski needs this. His record isnt great in signing foreign prospects (Wilkin Ramirez, Fu-Te Ni). They have been projected as plus major leaguers, but failed miserably… Great chance to partially redeem himself and add to the weak system.

    Like
    Reply
  14. Oscar

    10 years ago

    I saw Leonis Martin play when I lived in CUba and first I can assure that he really is 22. Second he is the big deal. This kid is as fast as Jacoby Ellsbury or perhaps faster. Has a great plate discipline ( something that you do not see in Cuba, being only second in this to the great Cepeda), played second base for a while and the whole outfield, has the potential to be a great lead off hitter. He may even developed some pop. In addition, he played in the Cuban bigs since he was 16 under Victor Mesa who is considered the best CF and leadoff hitter in Cuban Baseball.

    I think that he should be around the 10 Million mark, he is that good. Think Dustin Ackey but with an 80 speed and more expirence.

    Like
    Reply
    • nestorpistor

      10 years ago

      Are you his agent?

      Like
      Reply
      • Oscar

        10 years ago

        Nahh but I wish I was I would be making close to 1 Million with him!!!

        Im just a Cuban Baseball fan.

        Like
        Reply
    • Ferrariman

      10 years ago

      more experience? probably not. I trust professional US college ball more than i do Cuban national ball. Ackley also has a year in the minors under his belt.

      although that is a solid comparison from the general description.

      Like
      Reply
      • Oscar

        10 years ago

        Seriously?? Just to know, how far goes your knowledge of the cuban baseball league?
        Due to the fact that they don’t play with wood bats is enough argument to downgrade college ball. At least that is how i feel. The college numbers are always over inflated more for batters.

        Like
        Reply
    • Guest

      10 years ago

      So youre Canadian?

      Like
      Reply
      • Oscar

        10 years ago

        cubano

        Like
        Reply
  15. billreef

    10 years ago

    I’m glad we have Fredi and Carlos, the Braves Cuban connection. If only Bobby hadn’t fired Yunel because he couldn’t speak English.

    Like
    Reply
    • WisBrave

      10 years ago

      Bobby didn’t fire him because he couldn’t speak English. , the Braves traded him because he was an asss. Arguing with everyone on Bowmans blog not good enough for you any more, just stay off the Phils blog.
      Just messing with ya Bill.

      Like
      Reply
  16. cards2WS

    10 years ago

    Cardinals need this guy. We really don’t have a future starting shortstop in our system. I doubt it happens though, because of his heavy price tag.

    Like
    Reply
    • Ferrariman

      10 years ago

      well we only have one first round pick in this year’s draft so maybe organization gets a little generous. I doubt it though.

      Like
      Reply
    • start_wearing_purple

      10 years ago

      It says he’s an outfielder.

      Like
      Reply
  17. Cody

    10 years ago

    The Red Sox won’t be in on him we have tons of OF depth in the minors. Plus we have Crawford and Jacoby that can play great D in CF. We will make an offer but doubt it will be anything close to what he will get.

    Like
    Reply
  18. NatsFan1

    10 years ago

    Nats have Livan, Y. Maya, and we’re in on Chapman. I think they have a good shot at him plus we don’t have any quality CF prospects in our upper minors.

    Like
    Reply
  19. siromaniyon

    10 years ago

    Youtube about his batting(World University Championship 2010 final at Tokyo)
    ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XDeJY9hxQ

    Like
    Reply
  20. Kyle Britten

    10 years ago

    The Jays will sign him

    Like
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Cody Bellinger Has Hairline Fracture In Left Leg

    2021-22 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings

    MLB To Experiment With New DH Rule, Mound Distance During 2021 Atlantic League Season

    Astros, Martin Maldonado Finalizing One-Year Extension

    James Paxton To Undergo Season-Ending Surgery

    2021 Trade Deadline Will Be July 30

    Diamondbacks Sign Josh Reddick To Minor League Deal

    Jonathan Hernandez Undergoes Tommy John Surgery

    Dexter Fowler To Undergo Season-Ending Knee Surgery

    MLB Inspecting “Suspicious Baseballs” From Trevor Bauer’s Latest Start

    Recent

    AL Injury Notes: Lewis, Buxton, Rangers

    COVID Notes: 4/16/21

    Cody Bellinger Has Hairline Fracture In Left Leg

    Angels Select Scott Schebler, Designate Jon Jay

    Padres Activate Fernando Tatis Jr.

    Offseason In Review: San Diego Padres

    Giants Place Johnny Cueto On 10-Day IL

    Aristides Aquino Undergoes Surgery To Repair Hamate Fracture

    Pirates Notes: Frazier, Goodwin, Center Field, Oviedo

    Braves Place Drew Smyly On Injured List

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • Francisco Lindor Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2021-22 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version