3 years agoChicago Cubs relief pitching prospect Riley Martin has impressed in his second pro season with the Cubs. The 2021 sixth-round pick was respectable last season but has really taken a significant step forward this year. Over his last three outings (12 innings), the southpaw has struck out 25 batters and walked just three. During this span, he has surrendered two hits and zero runs. Regardless of whether you prefer basic or advanced statistics, Martin's numbers this season should please you. Martin was a low-risk pick when the Cubs gave him a $1,000 signing bonus last summer. The Division II product threw in the low-90s ahead of the draft but has since been clocked around 95 mph. In addition to this respectable heater, Martin has a plus curveball that offers a sharp, breaking motion capable of fooling opposing hitters. This nasty stuff bodes well for Martin as he looks to put together a long career. The 24-year-old still has to trek through three more levels of the minors before he gets called up to the show, but there's reason to be excited about Martin's future. It's not hard to envision him having fantasy relevance someday, whether that be as a starter or, more likely, out of the bullpen.--Andersen Pickard - RotoBaller
Source: Fangraphs