Chicago Cubs: Pedro Martinez is mashing the competition

Chicago Cubs: An heir of intrigue

Following a whirlwind of international signings by the Cubs, Martinez became one of the final players in the entire class to ink a deal. He signed out of the great country of Venezuela earning a $300,000 signing bonus.

As one of the 11 infielders signed by the organization, Martinez is one who does possess a high ceiling and thus far it has shown in mighty ways. A switch-hitter, Martinez was signed as a shortstop, which is where he has spent the most time. Interestingly, however, Martinez has played a fair amount of second-base as well as a good chunk handling the hot corner.

Like most first-year players, Martinez began his journey in the Dominican Summer League. His time during that first year saw Martinez earn extended playing time, appearing in 54 games and registering 228 plate appearances. He finished with a .310/.398/.406 slash line, hitting two home runs and driving in 25 runs. Most impressively, Martinez swiped 31 bags and posted a well-above-average 135 wRC+. Childs play in the eyes of the competition.

This season, Martinez once again began the year at the Rookie-level. Through his first 27 games, he slashed a better-than-cool .352/.417/.519 with another pair of home runs, 17 RBI, eight stolen bases, and an even better 151 wRC+. Martinez was making a mockery of the competition, and the Cubs made the correct call in promoting him to Eugene where all is well in his world of baseball.