7-30-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X
Following the move earlier today which sent Ke’Bryan Hayes to Cincinnati, Ben Cherington has dealt another piece, sending LHRP Caleb Ferguson to the Seattle Mariners for their 13th ranked prospect in RHP Jeter Martinez.
Ferguson, signed this past offseason to a 1-year deal, has been among the best in MLB at inducing soft contact with the 100th percentile average exit velocity (83.5 MPH), 100th percentile Hard Hit Rate (25.2%) and 97th percentile Barrel Rate (3.3%) all while posting a 2-2 record, 3.74 ERA and 1.09 WHIP through 43.1 innings of work for the Bucs.
Despite the lofty ERA, much of that damage has been in his last few appearances as he hoisted a 2.61 ERA as recently as July 1st.
Coming back to Pittsburgh 19-year old Martinez, who has pitched 62.2 innings through 16 games at low-A ball with the Mariners, posting a 6.18 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 38 walks and 10 wild pitches but with 60 strikeouts as Martinez is a hard-throwing 2023 international signing out of Mexico who can touch 100.
He is 6’4 and pairs the fastball with a strong slider/changeup mix, which can help him to find success as he moves up so long as he can locate better along the way.
If the Pirates pitching factory can help Martinez streamline his delivery and throw strikes the way they have shown with many others that have come through the system in recent years, this may be a solid acquisition for a 1-year flyer deal.
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