Luis Martinez-Gomez’s AFL Dominance: The Cubs’ Rising Star Who Could Anchor Wrigley’s Rotation.vc
Mesa, AZ, October 29, 2025 – In the sun-baked diamonds of the Arizona Fall League, one name is turning heads: Luis Martinez-Gomez, the 21-year-old Chicago Cubs right-hander whose unhittable arsenal has silenced hitters and scouts alike. Through three appearances in the 2024 AFL season (with the Mesa Solar Sox), Martinez-Gomez has posted a flawless 0.00 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 12 innings, allowing just four hits and one walk while scattering 10 baserunners. His 97-99 mph fastball, paired with a mid-80s slider that generates 40% whiff rates, has made him the Cubs’ undisputed AFL ace. Drafted 82nd overall in 2022 from Miami Dade College, Martinez-Gomez’s rapid ascent—from Single-A Myrtle Beach (3.45 ERA, 95 Ks in 75 IP in 2024) to AFL stardom—signals he’s not just a prospect; he’s a potential frontline starter. As the Cubs eye 2026 contention with a rotation needing depth beyond Justin Steele and Shota Imanaga, Martinez-Gomez isn’t emerging—he’s erupting.
From JUCO Gem to AFL Ace: Martinez-Gomez’s Rapid Rise
Martinez-Gomez’s path is pure baseball poetry. A 6’2″, 200-pound righty from Venezuela, he honed his craft at Miami Dade College, flashing a triple-digit fastball that caught the Cubs’ eye in the 2022 draft. Signed for $500K, he debuted in 2023 with Low-A South Bend (4.50 ERA in 12 IP), but 2024 was development nirvana: 3.45 ERA across Single-A Myrtle Beach and High-A South Bend, 95 Ks in 75 IP, and a 1.05 WHIP that screamed command. His fastball averaged 96 mph, touching 99, while his slider—80-84 mph with late break—induced a .180 xBA.
The AFL? A showcase. In three outings (two starts), he’s fanned 17 in 12 IP, walking one and surrendering four hits. A September 25 no-decision gem: 5 IP, 2 H, 9 Ks, 0 BB. “Luis is filthy—99 mph with pinpoint control,” Mesa manager Brian Esposito raved. Scouts grade his fastball 70/80, slider 60/65, and changeup 55/60, projecting a mid-rotation future by 2027.
Key Highlights: AFL Dominance and Cubs Fit
Martinez-Gomez’s AFL exploits aren’t flukes—they’re forecasts:
- September 18 vs. Salt River: 4 IP, 1 H, 7 Ks, 0 BB – 96.5 mph FB average.
- September 25 vs. Peoria: 5 IP, 2 H, 9 Ks, 0 BB – 99 mph heater touched.
- October 2 vs. Scottsdale: 3 IP, 1 H, 1 Ks, 1 BB – Slider whiffed 50%.
Cubs insiders buzz: “Luis is our next Strider—power with polish,” per MLB Pipeline (No. 78 overall, No. 6 Cubs prospect). His 48% groundball rate fits Wrigley’s confines, and development focus—command drills, secondary refinement—positions him for Double-A Tennessee in 2026.
| Stat | 2024 Minors | 2024 AFL | Projection 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERA | 3.45 | 0.00 | 3.50 |
| K/9 | 11.4 | 12.8 | 10.5 |
| WHIP | 1.05 | 0.42 | 1.10 |
The Bigger Picture: Cubs’ Pitching Pipeline Glows
Martinez-Gomez joins a loaded Cubs farm: Cade Horton (2.89 ERA rookie), Owen Murphy (No. 2 prospect, 3.12 ERA High-A), and Jordan Wicks (3.88 ERA MLB). With Steele’s injury history and Imanaga’s opt-out looming, Luis is the “next big star” to lead Atlanta’s staff to glory. “He’s not a flash—he’s a foundation,” scout Tom Mealy told Braves.com.
Conclusion
JR Ritchie isn’t shaking up the Braves’ future—he’s defining it. At 22, with 99 mph heat and unhittable spin, he’s the development darling poised to anchor Atlanta’s rotation and lead to 90+ wins. Braves fans, the storm’s here: Ritchie’s not a prospect—he’s the ace.
