Leonys Martin Free Agency Preview

Last Season

Last season was not ideal for the veteran outfielder. Leonys played just 65 games for the Cleveland Indians before being DFA’d in late June.

The move was not without cause. Martin batted just .199 in this span. He posted a pedestrian OBP of .276 along with a -.3 WAR. The Tribe also needed another man in their rotation due to injuries, so this made room for Aaron Civale. 

Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti offered this quote, via Cleveland.com, on their decision to move on.

Just days prior to the move, Martin and Francisco Lindor were involved in a heated exchange in the Indians‘ dugout. 

Nothing was said if this played a role in the decision to DFA Leonys. 

Pull-Happy

Throughout his better years in baseball, Martin was at his best when he slapped base hits across the yard. At this point in his career, however, he looks to pull the baseball more than ever. Take a look at his heat map for batted balls via FanGraphs.com.

Maybe this is because Martin does not have the same speed he once did. Speed and defense have already taken a hit for Martin, and now his bat has quickly followed suit.

Looking Ahead

Last July, Martin signed a one-year contract with the Chiba Lotte Marines, part of Japan’s Pacific League. 

According to Rotoworld.com, he is able to try and return to Major League Baseball this offseason. It’s unlikely Martin receives more than a minor league contract if anything at all. There are plenty of veteran outfielders who posted better numbers over Martin last year, such as Yasiel Puig and Kole Calhoun.

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