This forgotten slugging prospect could make serious noise at Yankees spring training

When it comes to slugging prospects who will be on display when the New York Yankees arrive in Tampa to kick off spring training, Spencer Jones will be front and center. There is no doubt that his at-bats will be must-see TV, but that doesn't mean he'll be alone.

Joining Jones will be another hulking behemoth who has flown under most radars. You won't find him on top prospect lists anymore, but he came to the Yankees from a team known for developing diamonds in the rough, the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Yankees stole away Ernesto Martinez Jr. from Milwaukee this offseason, and from the looks of it, Brewers fans are bummed. Their loss could be the Yankees' gain, as the 26-year-old could put on a show this spring.

Don't sleep on Yankees slugger Ernesto Martinez Jr. turning heads at spring training

The advanced age might catch your attention. Martinez Jr. will turn 27 in June, and after eight years in the Brewers' system, it might seem like New York got nothing more than Triple-A fodder.

But Brewers insider Adam McCalvy named him a breakout prospect to watch heading into last season. That was because he looked legitimately good in 2024, slashing .284/.365/.466 with 45 extra base hits and 20 steals in Double-A, earning honors as a Southern League All-Star.

That heat continued into early 2025, as he got promoted to Triple-A Nashville and was bestowed with the International League Player of the Week title in mid-April.

At six-foot-six and 254 pounds, Martinez Jr. is an imposing figure and has become renowned for his sizzling exit velocities, earning the nickname "El Espectáculo" in the process.

Hits the ball hard? Check! Imposing frame? Check! The real reason to take notice of Martinez Jr., however, has to do with the other side of his power. Most hulking youngsters who tear covers off baseballs typically have a fatal flaw, the strikeout. That's not necessarily the case for the former Brewer.

While his K-rate did tick up to 26% in Nashville last year, it was accompanied by a 12.5% walk rate. The increase in strikeouts was an anomaly for him, though, as he struck out just 16.8% during his stellar 2024 campaign and 19.9% of the time in 2023.

Add in some surprising speed and athleticism for the big man, and you have an intriguing package.

Unfortunately, Martinez Jr. is yet another lefty bat, so his chances at making the big league roster to provide platoon relief for Ben Rice are slim. However, he has gotten an occasional look in center field during his career. Maybe he can amp up his versatility and make a case.

The more likely scenario is that he fills the void left by T.J. Rumsfeld's departure in the Angel Chivilli trade, becoming the everyday first baseman at Scranton.

Putting on a show with his new organization would put him on the map, though, and even if he doesn't crack the opening day roster, he could leave a mark and prove to be a top call-up candidate in the event of injury or poor performance.

Look forward to some spectacular feats from El Espectáculo this spring, because a show is certainly coming.