(Courtesy of CBS Sports)
Toronto- With the 5th selection of the 2020 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Austin Martin from Vanderbilt.
Many experts thought Martin would be drafted within the top 3. However, when the Vanderbilt product fell in the Blue Jays’ lap, they had no choice but to snatch the best player available at the time they were on the clock. Martin was the second highest ranked player on many teams’ draft board and could potentially be the best overall player in this draft with his athleticism and versatility to play any position on the diamond.
To all Blue Jays, here is a scouting report on their new young talent and what he brings to the table. (Grades are based on the future projectivity on the 20-80 grading scale)
Player Profile:
Position: Outfielder, Shortstop, Third Baseman, Second Baseman
Date of Birth: March 3, 1999.
School: Vanderbilt University
Drafted: 5th overall by the Blue Jays in 2020 MLB Draft.
Scouting Report:
Martin had a fantastic career at Vanderbilt by slashing .376/.479/.521 in 118 games. He started games at six different positions as a freshman and opened the 2019 season at second base before settling in at third base. In 2020, he started all 16 games at center field. Many scouts believed that Martin is the best pure hitter in this draft and maybe the most versatile player in this draft.
Hit: Martin has some of the best pure hitting ability with outstanding bat speed with his short compact swing. Shown excellent contact ability and plate discipline. Shown he can hit all over the field with ability to hit opposite field. Grade: 70
Power: He hit eight home runs as a sophomore after tallying just one in his freshman season. He hit three in 16 games in 2020. He shown ability to hit for extra base power but can improve his home runs total if he continues to add strength to his athletic body frame. Grade: 55
Speed: He doesn’t have elite speed or a burner, but shown great base running abilbilty with his smart instinct to steal at least 20 bases. At center field, shown some great speed and range to make plays at the position Grade: 60.
Arm: He has solid arm to handle almost any position, though he need to improve his throwing mechanics. Grade: 50
Fielding: A twitchy athlete with quick feet and soft hands to handle any position. Has play mostly at 3rd base and shortstop, but many scouts believed that his best position could be at centre field with his speed and range. Grade: 55
Overall: The Blue Jays added an elite hitter to their already strong farm system. Martin will join with an already stacked team with young position players with Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bitchette and Cavan Biggio. MLB Commissioner Rob Reinford announced Martin as a shortstop but the Blue Jays could use him as a super utility player his versatility. He could make an impact in 2022 with his already advanced bat and athletic ability to play any position.
Player Comparison: Ben Zobrist
T-Fuj Sports 