Mariners Prospect #21 - Jeter Martinez

The Mariners have a penchant and a proven track record for developing pitchers, especially college arms (Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller). In recent years, we've seen the team dive into the international amateur ranks for some intriguing hurlers. The 2023 class includes 17-year-old Jeter Martrinez, who made serious noise in the Dominican Summer League.

Martinez sat on the Major League Baseball Pipeline's Top 50 international prospects list and entered the Mariners' farm system with some helium due to his projectability. He can already rachet it up to 94 mph with his average velocity around 90-92. The key to his ascent through the system will be harnessing his command and control with his secondary pitches.

The young right-hander had a stellar season in the DSL, appearing in ten games and holding opposing hitters to a minuscule .109 average. Martinez finished with 47 innings under his belt, racking up 55 strikeouts. That performance earned him a DSL All-Star nod and put a nice feather in his cap with an All-Star Pitcher of the Game award.

Look for Martinez to build on a spectacular debut starting next season in the Arizona Complex League. He will probably take the Walter Ford route, meaning the Mariners will limit his innings in the ACL especially since he will be one of the youngest players in the league. Hopefully, Sebastian De Andrade (#30) will join him as the Mariners look to continue a recent trend of elevating top prospects together through the system.