Ernesto Martínez Jr.

For the Cuban volleyball player (1951–2007), see Ernesto Martínez.

Ernesto Martínez Jr
New York Yankees – No. 91
First baseman
Born: (1999-06-20) June 20, 1999
Holguin, Cuba
Bats: Left
Throws: Left

Ernesto Wilson Martínez Jr (born June 20, 1999) is a French-Cuban professional baseball first baseman in the New York Yankees organization.

Career

In 2016, Martínez played for the France national baseball team in the 2016 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers as the youngest player on the team.[1][2]

Milwaukee Brewers

Martínez signed with the Milwaukee Brewers as an international free agent on May 27, 2017.[3][4] He made his professional debut that season with the Dominican Summer League Brewers. Martínez split the ensuing season with the rookie-level Arizona League Brewers, hitting .224 with 10 RBI in 35 games; in 2019, he hit .262 with six home runs and 25 RBI over 48 appearances for the rookie-level Rocky Mountain Vibes. Martínez did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5]

Martínez returned to action in 2021 with the Single-A Carolina Mudcats, batting .274/.370/.492 with 11 home runs, 48 RBI, and 30 stolen bases across 79 games.[6] In 2022, he played in 28 games for the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Brewers and High-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, slashing .244/.412/.474 with five home runs, 17 RBI, and eight stolen bases.[7] Martínez made 98 appearances for Wisconsin and the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers in 2023, batting a cumulative .261/.345/.415 with 12 home runs, 44 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.[8]

Martínez returned to Biloxi for the 2024 campaign, batting .284/.365/.466 with 13 home runs, 62 RBI, and 20 stolen bases across 110 appearances.[9] He was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds to begin the 2025 season,[10] ultimately playing in 80 games and hitting .255/.357/.388 with six home runs and 40 RBI. Martínez elected free agency following the season on November 6, 2025.[11]

New York Yankees

On December 12, 2025, Martínez Jr. signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees that included an invitation to spring training.[12]

Personal life

Martínez is a polyglot, possessing the ability to speak English, Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole.[13][14]

References

  1. ^ "Vibes first baseman Ernesto Martinez Jr. Packs big potential in his 6-foot-6 frame". July 16, 2019.
  2. ^ "T-Rat Talk: Ernesto Martinez".
  3. ^ "Brewers, Martinez Jr. Agree to minor league deal". May 27, 2017.
  4. ^ "Meet the Brewers prospect they call 'El espectáculo'". milb.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  5. ^ "2020 Minor League Baseball season cancelled". mlb.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  6. ^ "Ernesto Martinez Stats & Scouting Report". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  7. ^ "Ernesto Martinez - Baseball Statistics". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  8. ^ "Ernesto Martinez Jr. - Stats - Batting". fangraphs.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  9. ^ "Meet the Brewers prospect they call 'El espectáculo'". MLB.com.
  10. ^ "Journal Sentinel Subscription Offers, Specials, and Discounts".
  11. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2025". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  12. ^ "Yankees sign 17-HR Cuban outfielder to free agent contract". sportingnews.com. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
  13. ^ "Vibes first baseman Ernesto Martinez Jr. packs big potential in his 6-foot-6 frame". gazette.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
  14. ^ "T-Rat Talk: Ernesto Martinez". milb.com. Retrieved November 29, 2025.
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