Francis Martes

After bursting onto the prospect radar as a high-upside but relatively untested pitching prospect in 2015, the 6-foot-1 righty followed that up by dominating over 125.1 innings as the youngest starting pitcher in the Texas League. He has two potential double-plus pitches in his fastball and curveball, with his changeup lagging well behind as his third best offering. His command and control are perhaps even less refined than his nine percent walk rate with Corpus Christi suggests. Here is where things get a little tricky from a fantasy perspective. Martes might be a better fit as a super reliever than as a starter with a questionable third pitch who might not locate well enough to consistently go deep into games. He could be borderline unhittable out of the bullpen, recording three to six outs in high-leverage situations over the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. The Astros do not have to make that decision now, but a need in the rotation or bullpen this year could force their hand.

An afterthought in the Astros’ haul from Miami in the Jarred Cosart/Jake Marisnick trade, Martes may now be the most valuable player involved in that six-player deal. He has the look of a future frontline starter, thanks to a plus-plus fastball and one of the best curveballs in the minor leagues. His mechanics and changeup need refining, but the potential for two 70-grade pitches makes him a worthwhile target in almost all dynasty leagues. Last year he cruised through three levels, posting a 2.04 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 98:28 K:BB in 101.2 innings. Martes got to Double-A Corpus Christi in time to make three starts to close out the year, and may head back there at the outset of 2016. However, he is more accomplished than Lance McCullers was heading into 2015, and McCullers made 22 big league starts last year, so it's entirely possible that Martes is fast-tracked to the show if he picks up where he left off in 2015.