The Liga Mexicana de Béisbol(LMB) is one of the strongest summer leagues in the Caribbean, and features many former major leaguers and other young talents trying to return to the MLB system. Orlando Martínez has been one of the best hitters in the circuit, earning him another opportunity in the Minor Leagues from the Houston Astros.
The colleague Francys Romero reported this move on his social media. Martínez joined the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas franchise on June 22 and is hitting .302 in 10 games with team. The outfielder became the fourteenth Cuban signed with the team from the Lone Star state. Martínez was part of the Los Angeles Angels’ farm system for six years (2018-2024) and has played at all levels except the big leagues.
With the Angels, he swatted a total of 591 hits, including 126 doubles, 18 triples, and 59 home runs. He also has 314 RBIs and another 304 runs scored in 576 games. Martínez also stole 43 bases in 68 attempts and had a .269 batting average, while also slashing.332/.423/.756 over that span.
The native of Havana was scheduled to participate in the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game set for June 28 and 29, both at Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium, home of the Diablos Rojos del México. Orlando Martínez during his first season in the LMB with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes; performed impeccably at the plate, ranking among the Top Ten in several departments, including leading in homeruns, doubles, runs batted in and runs scored.
Below is an interview with Ariel Santa,Cruz from our sister page Pelota Cubana hours before he signed with the Astros.
You just received a contract with the Houston Astros. Tell me, how did you receive the news and what was your reaction to the news?
I’m really excited. It’s news I’ve been waiting for, I’ve been looking forward to returning to baseball in the United States.
You’ll be joining Corpus Christi, the Astros’ Double-A affiliate in a league you’re already familiar with. What do you expect from that?
It’s a pretty tough league. I’ve already played in Double-A for several years, so it’s about arriving with the preparation I have and continuing the work I’ve done during my time in México. The results will come.
You are leaving Mexico with after posting a great offensive season. How much has your time in the Mexican league helped your career?
It’s truly been an incredible experience. I never thought that in my first year in the league I’d be able to achieve these results. I’m very proud of the work I’ve done.
What message do you have for the Rieleros de Aguascalientes fans who welcomed you so warmly?
I truly feel very grateful to the Rielero fans, because from day one they welcomed me as one of their own, and it has been a tremendous honor for me to play for this team.