Braves trade for outfield depth, acquiring Rangers' J.P. Martinez

The Atlanta Braves are bolstering their bench with the acquisition of the 27 year-old Martinez

The Atlanta Braves have traded for 27 year-old Texas Rangers outfielder J.P. Martinez, the team announced this morning. 

Martinez, an international free agent signing out of Cuba by the Rangers in 2018, debuted last season for Texas, batting .225 in 17 games. 

Martinez climbed from High-A Hickory all the way to AAA Round Rock last season, batting .297/.425/.538 with 14 homers and 41 stolen bases in 82 games, being named an organizational All-Star by MiLB.com. Making his debut on August 11th, Martinez played all three outfield positions for Texas and hit one homer during his brief time in the majors. He is still prospect eligible and has two minor league options remaining. 

Compensation for the deal was minor leaguer Tyler Owens, a righthanded pitcher. Drafted in the 13th round of the 2019 draft out of Ocala, FL, Owens spent the most recent season divided between High-A Rome and AA Mississippi, with a 3.03 ERA in 65.1 innings. The youngster struck out 67 batters and walked 22 in his 65.1 innings, giving up only five homers. 

Martinez's role in 2024

Martinez is expected to contend for the 4th outfielder spot on the team, filled by Kevin Pillar last season. Forrest Wall is the current favorite for the spot, but Atlanta also recently added Jordan Luplow on a minor-league deal this offseason. 

Scouting report on Martinez: okay contact (78.1% zone-contact in AAA last season) and close to average power (90th percentile EV of 101.9, against the MLB 103 average).

He's got decent wheels and can play all three outfield spots despite only an avg arm. https://t.co/lIM8HTx8oR

— Lindsay Crosby, big baseball guy (@CrosbyBaseball) January 26, 2024

With the move, Atlanta's 40-man roster is projected to be at 37 players.  

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