The Mariners announced last night that outfielder Leonys Martin, who’d been in camp on a minor league deal, has been released. He’s once again a free agent.
Martin, 35, hasn’t played in the Majors since 2019, spending the past three and a half seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball. He returned to the Mariners organization, for whom he played in 2016-17, in hopes of securing a roster spot this spring. The veteran center fielder had a decent showing in a limited sample of 24 plate appearances, going 5-for-19 with a double, three walks and nine strikeouts in 24 plate appearances (.263/.375/.316).
Through his first two and a half seasons in NPB, Martin hit for a low average but got on base at a high clip and hit for plenty of power, evidenced by a .233/.363/.494 batting line in 1175 plate appearances. His production cratered in his age-34 campaign this past season, however, as Martin batted just .163/.293/.317 in 266 trips to the plate.
Martin’s most recent productive Major League season came back in 2018, so it’s fair to wonder whether another opportunity with a new organization will present itself. That said, he was solid for much of his time in Japan and has a long track record as a premium outfield defender and baserunner. Those skills have helped him offset the tepid .244/.301/.367 batting line (81 wRC+) he’s put together through 2792 plate appearances across parts of nine MLB seasons.
Situation normal. They are just making the usual fine adjustments before opening day.
I am looking for a Mariners World Series this year!
No – can’t score enough. Third in division
You must be a casual.
Oh ok. Thank you.
No offense
Fred Park- Thanks for the lol comment of the day. You NEVER disappoint
Makes sense, they don’t really need him on the roster.I guess he was an insurance im case kelenic again hits 100 with a gazillion KS in spring but since he did well I guess they trust him for now
$29 million in lifetime earnings for a career OPS+ of 81. Not a bad way to start off retirement!
I’d like to have him back….
The next article featuring Leonys Martin will likely conclude with a career earnings paragraph followed by “Best wishes to Martin in whatever next step he pursues.”
Highly regarded prospect that just never panned out.
5 days was all it took for the M’s to get a look at him.
Time to start panicking in Seattle.
centerfield and glory days
To Oakland please!