PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – After trading for a left-handed reliever on Wednesday afternoon, the Pirates then traded for a left-handed reliever. First reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Bucs sent Caleb Ferguson to the Seattle Mariners for 19-year-old right-handed pitcher Jeter Martinez.
Like the shortstop in the Ke’Bryan Hayes trade, Martinez is currently in Low A ball, but in California, not Florida. In 16 starts this year, 2-6, 6.18 ERA, 62.2 innings, 60 strikeouts and 38 walks leading to a career-worst 1.61 WHIP. The 6’4”, 180-pound Martinez has been much better in July, in four starts, 19 innings, 18 strikeouts, eight walks with a 2.84 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.
The 19-year-old was the Mariners 13th best prospect according to MLB Pipeline, projected to be in the majors in 2028. MLB.com believes he can continue to build on velocity which has now touched the upper-90s. He was signed by the Mariners out of Mexico for $600,000 two years ago.
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The 29-year-old Ferguson was signed by the Pirates as a free agent in January for $3 million. In 45 games Ferguson pitched 43.1 innings, 3.74 ERA, 1.08 WHIP with 14 walks to 34 strikeouts. He has been dominant against left-handed hitters this season allowing 10 singles and one double in 74 plate appearances for a .167 batting average against and .182 slugging percentage.