Martin could fit in well with young core
First-round pick brings athleticism, quickness and lack of strikeouts
Austin Martin has yet to sign with the Blue Jays but general manager Ross Atkins can already see how Toronto’s firstround draft pick could complement the organization’s young core.
The 21-year-old infielder out of Vanderbilt University was projected to be one of the top two picks in the first round of the MLB draft Wednesday, but he was still available when the Jays picked fifth. Martin was called the best prospect in this year’s draft by The Athletic’s Keith Law because of his performance, athleticism and overall quickness. And, with a knack for putting the ball in play and avoiding strikeouts, he earned the label of best “pure hitter” in the class by MLB Pipeline.
So it is not a big leap for Atkins to picture Martin taking the field with the star-studded group the Jays have assembled.
“We do feel that Austin, if we’re fortunate enough to reach a deal with him, that he will complement us very well,” Atkins said. “In talking about that young core, that’s alluding to a relatively fast transition. We’ll see. It’s hard to put any concrete timelines on that, but we do think it’s realistic to talk about him playing with Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio and Vladdy Guerrero and Lourdes Gurriel. That’s exciting to think about.”
First, Toronto has to sign Martin.
Atkins took care to be “respectful” of the fact that Martin and the Jays hadn’t inked a deal and wouldn’t get into specifics of the negotiations. The slot value for the fifth overall pick is $6,180,700 (U.S).
If and when he signs with the Jays, Martin could be a fit at shortstop, second base or the outfield. Atkins generally feels manning one position can “ease some burden” as a player transitions to the professional level, but said it’s a hotly debated topic in the industry.
The Jays have emphasized versatility with the big-league club in recent years.
Martin’s home on the field is just one of the Jays’ future decisions. They made four more picks in MLB’s shortened draft Thursday, all college players: Florida State right-hander CJ Van Eyk, 42nd overall; Jacksonville right-hander Trent Palmer, 77th; Loyola Marymount right-hander Nick Frasso, 106th; and Louisville outfielder Zach Briutton, 136th.
It remains to be seen when Toronto’s draft picks could make their professional debuts. Atkins said conversations are being had about potential solutions in the short and long term for minor-league players, but he doesn’t expect clarity on the situation until Major League Baseball and the MLB Players
Association reach a deal on a new-look, big-league season. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said “unequivocally” Wednesday that baseball would be played this year, a day after the union made a second proposal to the league for an 89game regular season and 100 per cent of pro-rated salaries. Manfred said MLB’s response to the MLBPA would be a “significant move in the players’ direction” with the caveat that the league would exercise their right to a 48-game season “if we have to.”
Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk responded to that report on Twitter, posting a tweet that read, “Significant move in the players’ direction, yea (sic) right. We definitely won’t be holding our breath.”
Atkins said the Jays are keeping players and staff as ready as possible for any scenario. The team is hopeful home games could be played at Rogers Centre, but the GM said the Jays’ spring training complex in Dunedin, Fla., another majorleague ballpark or another minor-league park are also options. That decision will be made in partnership with the league.
Meanwhile, Toronto has Martin to get excited about — particularly if his arrival is sooner rather than later. The resources available to ball clubs have given them the ability to move players through their systems quickly, Atkins said. Martin seems like a candidate for such a trajectory.
“Especially coming from elite programs like Vanderbilt,” the GM said.
“What they’re exposed to has really sped up the transition of amateur talent into professional baseball.”