Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Orelvis Martinez is officially a free agent after his release, and this fresh start is exactly what the young slugger needs to bounce back.
The news of his departure from the Washington Nationals definitely stings. Losing your roster spot during spring training is never an easy pill to swallow.
The organization gave him a brief look in camp before making the tough decision to cut ties. The transition away from the spotlight has been a rocky road.
He has faced an immense amount of adversity since that initial suspension derailed his massive momentum. Getting back up after a major setback tests your ultimate resolve.
The 24 year old infielder (Signed as International Free Agent, 2018 by Toronto Blue Jays) still possesses elite bat speed. That raw power simply does not vanish overnight.
The reality is that his struggles at Triple A last season were impossible to ignore. Hitting just .176 with a .636 OPS forced the issue.
The strikeout numbers were undeniably frustrating for a guy with such incredible upside. He was pressing hard to prove he still belonged.
A new environment sparks the ultimate baseball revival
We all just want to see him find his timing again and crush baseballs like he used to. Hearing that he gets another chance elsewhere brings a sigh of relief.
Sometimes a complete change of scenery is the perfect medicine for a mechanical slump. He can now reset his approach without the heavy expectations of his prospect pedigree.
He actually showed brief flashes of his old self down in Florida this month. Putting up a .400 AVG with an .855 OPS in limited spring action is a positive step.
Those small sample size numbers prove the barrel control is still hiding in there. He just needs a patient hitting coach to help him fix his lower half.
Another franchise will absolutely take a flyer on his right handed pop. Teams are always hunting for cheap power options to stash in their minor league system.
He can quietly go to work in a new complex and rebuild his confidence pitch by pitch. The pressure is entirely off his shoulders now.
The comeback trail is long, but his story is far from over. Elite talent always finds a way to resurface when the mindset is right.
Keep a close watch on the waiver wire over the next few days. Someone is going to give him the canvas he needs to paint his masterpiece.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 24|238 ANSWERS Nationals Just Discovered the Truth About Orelvis Martinez Will Orelvis Martinez sign with a new team and successfully rebuild his career in the minor leagues? | ||
| Yes | 117 | 49.2 % |
| No | 121 | 50.8 % |
| List of polls | ||