Padres Sign Mexican League Slugger

It may not be the best barometer for major league success, but when a player is crushing Mexican League pitchers to the extent that Kyle Martin currently is, it's certainly worth a shot. The San Diego Padres have signed the first baseman to a minor league contract.

Deseamos éxito al cañonero Kyle Martin🪓, quien ha firmado contrato para la organización de los @Padres.🤩
¡Gracias por todo Kyle, #Oaxaca siempre será tu casa! 🫂#SomosGuerreros⚔️ pic.twitter.com/N7Yz8MVAAu

— Guerreros de Oaxaca (@GuerrerosOax) June 6, 2022

Martin was batting a robust .364 with a ridiculous 1.365 OPS, along with 18 home runs and 47 RBIs in just 39 games with Oaxaca in the Mexican League. 

Before playing in Mexico, the 29-year-old Martin spent three years with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the independent American Association, and cruised through that league's pitching as well, to the tune of a .931 OPS and 61 homers in 884 at-bats.

With the fading Eric Hosmer and the disappointing Luke Voit at San Diego, it's possible that Martin—should he treat Triple-A pitchers the same as he's done in his recent exploits—will get a chance at the big league level.

Photo Credit: GAIL BAILEY/The Jackson Sun via Imagn Content Services, LLC