The Cleveland Guardians are 9.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers and one game out of the Wild Card race in the American League. While not the worst position, they could’ve been in a lot better shape if it weren’t for multiple of their players struggling.
One of the more prominent players who’s struggled for the team has been second baseman and outfielder Angel Martinez. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report called for the Guardians to bench Martinez, as the 23-year-old has been struggling a lot in the 2025 season.
“The Guardians have bounced him all over the lineup,” Kelly writes, “trying anything to rekindle that April magic. It hasn’t helped, though, as he has been mired in a funk, providing negative WAR to a team whose limited offense and negative run differential have become a debilitating problem.”
With Martinez struggling since April, the Guardians have also been struggling. What was once a top contender in the AL has now become a Wild Card contender on the outside looking in. Cleveland needs to make some changes if it wants to make a postseason run again, and pivoting from Martinez could be a way to go about things.
Across his 193 at-bats in 2025, Martinez is batting .238 with a .259 on-base percentage and a .352 slugging percentage. His .611 OPS isn’t good enough, and with the team’s struggles in 2025, he could be on his way out. At least, from the starting lineup.
He does have potential and could be a valuable piece in his career. But, for now, if the Guardians are looking to win now, finding a different solution than Martinez is seemingly the right decision.
While Cleveland isn’t out of things just yet, it’s trending that way. And with the performance of Martínez hindering the team’s success, along with various other players who’ve struggled, the Guardians might have to make a lot of moves in the buildup to the MLB trade deadline.
Whether it’s acquisitions to replace the struggling starters like Martinez, or trading away players and resetting in 2025 for a 2026 run, the Guardians will be one of the main teams to focus on at the trade deadline. Martinez’s future with the team depends on how the team manages the deadline, and he could be a trade piece in acquiring a top offensive talent if the Guardians decide to buy.
But, no matter what the team does, Miller is calling for the team to bench Martinez, as his struggles this year have been too much for the team to handle.
