Ernesto Martinez Jr. used to be the guy the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders feared. Now he is the guy delivering the big hits for them. The switch from opponent to teammate has been a wild ride, and the stats prove he belongs in the pinstripes of the minor league system.
From Enemy to Ace
Last season, Martinez played for the Nashville Sounds. He went just 5-for-30 against the RailRiders, but those few hits hurt. His single on May 22, 2025, capped a five-run inning that tied a game, and Nashville won in 11 innings. Two days later, he hit a home run that finished a 12-5 blowout. Even on August 2, his two-run double gave Nashville the lead in a comeback win. Those were bad days for the Yankees’ farm team.
This year, the 27-year-old Cuban native is on the right side of the score. Martinez has played 87 games with a .238 batting average. He has 10 doubles, four triples, and 16 home runs. That home run total is a career high, beating the 13 he hit in 2024. He also has 53 RBI and is just nine away from his career best of 62.
Power and Patience
Two of his homers were grand slams, which shows his ability to change a game instantly. One came on April 3 in a 17-4 rout at Rochester. The other happened on July 7 at Buffalo, completing an eight-run ninth inning in an 18-3 romp. He also made history on July 28. His two-out, two-run triple tied a game against the Iowa Cubs, and he scored on the next pitch. That win was the RailRiders’ first in Iowa since 1989.
Martinez knows he has improved his defense and his swing. He noted that the process has had ups and downs but has been more positive than negative. He stated he has gained knowledge, improved his defense, and become more skilled at lofting the ball.
He credits a slight adjustment for his power surge. He mentioned taking ideas from Aaron Judge and Spencer Jones. He admitted it has been a bit inconsistent because it is his first time trying it, but the results speak for themselves.
The numbers show a player who has turned his career around. He has more power than ever and is driving in runs at a steady clip. The grand slams and the historic win in Iowa prove he can handle high-pressure moments. The RailRiders needed a spark, and Martinez is providing it in spades.
