Seth Martinez Bio
Seth Antonio Martinez is an American professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins. Born on August 29, 1994, in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Martinez attended Arizona State University, where he played college baseball. The Oakland Athletics selected him in the 17th round of the 2016 MLB draft. After spending time in the Athletics organization, he was selected by the Houston Astros in the 2020 Rule 5 draft, making his MLB debut in 2021.
Early Life and Background
Seth Antonio Martinez grew up in Peoria, Arizona, where he attended Sunrise Mountain High School. During his high school years, he excelled in both baseball and golf, posting an impressive record of 19-4 with a 2.86 earned run average (ERA) and 172 strikeouts over 144 innings pitched. In his junior year, he achieved a notable milestone by throwing a no-hitter and earned a spot on the second-team All-State team. Following high school, Martinez continued his education and baseball career at Arizona State University, where he played for the Sun Devils for three seasons.
Path to Baseball
At Arizona State University, Martinez showcased his talent as both a starter and a relief pitcher. He began his freshman year with a 5-0 record and a 4.32 ERA. He also participated in summer baseball with the Bellingham Bells. By his junior year in 2016, he had established himself as a key player, finishing the season with a 9-4 record and a 2.75 ERA, which earned him first-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors and recognition as a second-team All-American by Louisville Slugger. His primary catcher during his college career was Brian Serven, who would also go on to play in the majors.
Seth Martinez Career
Early Career (2016-2020)
Seth Martinez was selected in the 17th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics. He began his professional career with the Arizona League Athletics, where he pitched in three games. The following season, he started with the Low-A Vermont Lake Monsters before being promoted to the Single-A Beloit Snappers. Over the course of the 2017 season, he posted a 5-10 record with a 3.49 ERA across 95+1⁄3 innings pitched. In 2018, he transitioned to a full-time reliever, leading the Snappers with 15 saves. Martinez continued to develop his skills in the minor leagues, but the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 halted his progress as he did not play in any games that year.
Breakthrough (2021-2024)
Martinez’s breakthrough came when he was selected by the Houston Astros in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft on December 10, 2020. He began the 2021 season with the Triple-A Sugar Land Skeeters and made his MLB debut on September 20, 2021, pitching a scoreless ninth inning. His performance in the 2022 season was notable as he started strong, throwing 17+2⁄3 scoreless innings before allowing a game-winning home run to Aaron Judge. He finished his rookie season with a 1-1 record and a 2.09 ERA in 29 games, pitching a total of 38+2⁄3 innings. In 2023, Martinez continued to split time between the majors and Triple-A, earning his first major league save on June 25 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He had a 2-3 record and a 5.23 ERA in 43 innings for the Astros.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Seth Martinez has made significant contributions to his teams, including earning his first major league win on September 15, 2022. In 2024, he pitched in a career-high 44 games with the Astros, achieving a 3-2 record with one save and a 3.59 ERA over 52+2⁄3 innings.
Seth Martinez Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Seth Martinez has not yet received any major award nominations but has made a notable impact as a reliable pitcher for his teams.
Seth Martinez Awards Won
Seth Martinez has not won any major awards during his professional baseball career thus far.
Seth Martinez Family
Seth Martinez is the son of Bobby and Kelly Martinez. His father was a high school baseball coach, which likely influenced his passion for the sport. He has one sister named Taylor.
Personal Life
Details about Seth Martinez’s personal life are limited, but he has maintained a focus on his baseball career while navigating the challenges of being a professional athlete. As of now, he is a free agent, looking for opportunities to continue his career in Major League Baseball.
