Twins Add Former Cardinals Hitter José Martínez as Minor League Coach

The Minnesota Twins are adding some major league experience to their minor league coaching staff. Former MLB outfielder José Martínez announced Friday that he is beginning a new chapter as a hitting coach in the Twins organization. The move brings a familiar name to baseball fans who followed his productive seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. According to the reported hiring, Martínez will work as a minor league hitting coach. This will be his first coaching position in affiliated baseball.

A Productive Major League Career

Martínez is best remembered for his time in St. Louis from 2016 through 2019. He made his major league debut with the Cardinals late in 2016 before quickly establishing himself as a productive offensive option. In 2017, he hit .309/.379/.518 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI across 106 games. He followed that performance with a .305 batting average, 17 home runs, and 83 RBI in 152 games during the 2018 season.The 2019 campaign brought another 10 home runs, giving Martínez three consecutive seasons with double-digit home run totals. 

Across 432 games with St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and the Chicago Cubs, Martínez collected 360 hits, 43 home runs, and 182 RBI. His career slash line was .289/.356/.447. His 118 wRC+ indicates he produced offensively at a rate 18% above league average.

Martínez wasn't a hitter who relied exclusively on home runs. His career batting average and on-base percentage point to someone who consistently found ways to reach base, while his power numbers show he could do damage when he connected. Young hitters in the organization will have an opportunity to learn from someone who experienced success against big league pitching.

A New Chapter After an Unfortunate Injury

Martínez's playing career also included some setbacks. After being traded to Tampa Bay, he split the 2020 season between the Rays and Cubs. He signed with the New York Mets before the 2021 season, hoping to compete for a roster spot, but suffered a torn meniscus during spring training.

The injury happened as he pursued a batted ball and attempted to avoid a collision with the first base umpire. Martínez underwent surgery and missed the entire season. He never returned to the major leagues. He continued playing in Mexico and winter baseball in Venezuela before wrapping up his playing career in 2025. Now, he gets an opportunity to share those experiences with the next generation of players.

What Martínez Brings to Minnesota

The Twins have continued building out the staff responsible for developing their minor league talent. Adding a former major league hitter with Martínez's track record gives the organization another perspective in its efforts to help young players refine their approaches.

His journey also provides an example for prospects working toward their own big league opportunities. Martínez worked through years of professional baseball before establishing himself in the majors. He understands the challenges of earning opportunities and making adjustments against increasingly difficult competition.

His first assignment in affiliated coaching will be a new challenge, but his playing career gives him a strong foundation. The Twins are hoping that experience translates into helping the next wave of Minnesota hitters take another step toward the major leagues.