José Martínez announced his new position as a minor‑league hitting coach for the Twins. He wrapped up his playing days in 2025 after stints in the Mexican League and Venezuelan winter ball.
He logged five big‑league seasons, most notably a 2016‑19 stretch with the Cardinals where he posted three consecutive double‑digit homer years. After splitting 2020 between the Rays and Cubs, he inked a deal with the Mets for 2021, only to suffer a meniscus tear in a spring‑training clash with an umpire. The injury sidelined him, led to his release, and marked the end of his MLB appearances. For my money, his resilience makes him a valuable mentor.
The right‑handed bat closed his career with a .289/.356/.447 slash line and a wRC+ 118, outpacing the league average by 18 points. Though his major‑league tenure was brief, his offensive efficiency shines. Could his analytical edge spark a new wave of hitting talent in the Twins’ farm system?