4 Cleveland Guardians who have failed to impress in spring training

4. Angel Martinez - Utility Infielder/Outfielder

The role of the utility player has been an important one for the Cleveland Guardians and has played a significant role in the success they have experienced over an extended period of time.

This role has been filled by a variety of players over the years, and Angel Martinez came into spring training with the chance to be the next one in Cleveland, but based on his performance this spring, that does not seem all that likely to happen.

Martinez is 5-32 with eight strikeouts and two walks in 14 games. Three of those hits have gone for extra-bases, as Martinez has recorded one of each variety. The double, triple, and home run from Martinez are clearly positives, but the rest of his performance at the plate is lacking. This needs to improve drastically if Martinez is going to be an impact player for the Guardians in 2025.

The 23-year-old made his Major League Debut last season, slashing .232/.298/338 in 43 games, with seven doubles and three home runs in 169 plate appearances. Martinez clearly was outmatched against major league pitching, as his 2024 slash line in Triple-A was notably better (.274/.356/.456). Hopefully with more experience, Martinez will closer resemble the player he was in Columbus last season, and that could go a long way for the Guardians in their quest for success in 2025.