In an effort to sustain their competitive edge, the San Francisco Giants have made a significant investment in their coaching infrastructure. The promotion of J.P. Martinez to pitching coach underscores the Giants’ confidence in his ability to drive continued success. Over the past four seasons, Martinez has been an integral part of the Giants pitching operation, helping to foster a top-tier staff that has consistently ranked among the National League’s best. As he assumes his new role, Martinez is poised to make an impact on San Francisco’s pitching fortunes.
The #SFGiants have announced that J.P. Martinez has been promoted to Pitching Coach.
In his four seasons as a part of SF’s pitching group, Giants pitchers have the fourth-lowest ERA in the National League at 3.80. pic.twitter.com/tgbB2HDPKx
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) October 18, 2024
The announcement comes after the previous pitching coach, Bryan Price, stepping down from his role with the club. Price previously served as a senior advisor to the San Diego Padres major league coaching staff, but his last time coaching came in 2019 with the Philadelphia Phillies before he announced his retirement in 2020.
J.P. Martinez Promoted to Pitching Coach
Martinez’s journey to becoming the Giants pitching coach began during the 2020-21 offseason. He joined San Francisco as an assistant pitching coach under manager Gabe Kapler, filling the vacancy left by Erik Katz. However, Martinez’s roots in professional baseball date back much further.
A ninth-round draft pick by the Minnesota Twins in 2004, Martinez embarked on a five-year playing career, splitting time between the Twins and Baltimore Orioles organizations. Although Martinez didn’t reach the major leagues, his on-field experience laid the foundation for his future coaching success.
Following his retirement in 2008, Martinez transitioned into coaching, rejoining the Twins organization in 2015 as a pitching coach at their Florida complex. Over the next six seasons, he progressed through various minor league coaching roles, honing his skills and expertise before leaving for the Giants.
Martinez initially worked alongside pitching coach Andrew Bailey and director of pitching Brian Bannister. Following the hiring of Bob Melvin as manager, Martinez became the sole remaining member of the trio, ensuring continuity with the Giants’ pitching department.
Main Photo: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
