YearPitch%VelocityIVBVertical Release PointExtensionWhiff%20251092.8 mph18.2 in.5.62 ft.6.6 in.23.8202411.390.5 mph17.6 in.5.21 ft6.7 in.23.8
A vastly underrated component of Martinez’s profile is the heater that sat in the low-to-mid-90s, maxing out at 97 in 2025. That was a considerable jump from the year prior, when he sat in the low-90s.
He’s about to enter his age-21 season, and it’s entirely possible the ol’ number one could sit in the mid-90s at his peak.
There isn’t much difference in the movement profile, as even though he generated over half a foot of additional ride this past year, he did so from a higher slot. Generally speaking, the more vertical break you can induce from a lower slot, the better.
His extension off the mound remained the same, giving his heater a true mid-90s look when he threw it.
The most impressive feature about the pitch was the 3.5° flat VAA, making it extremely difficult for batters to recognize; he boasted a 34.8% whiff rate on the heater in the top third of the zone.
Overall, it generated a 23.8% whiff rate, and I think the improvement in its peripheral traits is essential to setting up the rest of his arsenal. We began to see that in 2025, and we should see more of it in 2026.