Toronto Blue Jays: Draft gem Austin Martin added to player pool
By Nick Stevens
The Toronto Blue Jays have added 2020 first-round pick Austin Martin to their 60-man player pool.
As reported by Ben Nicholson-Smith at Sportsnet, Toronto Blue Jays first-round pick Austin Martin will join his new teammates in Toronto in the coming days before spending the 2020 season as part of the organization’s 60-man player pool in Buffalo.
Considered by most scouting outlets as the top pure hitter in the 2020 draft and arguably the top overall player in the draft, the Blue Jays watched as Austin Martin fell past the Baltimore Orioles (where it was widely assumed he would be selected) and then into their laps in what could become one of the top picks of this year’s draft.
The elite hitter out Vanderbilt may have fallen to Toronto at fifth overall in the selection process, but the Blue Jays paid their first-round pick handsomely last week, inking Martin to a $7,00,825 signing bonus, well above the slot value of $6.18 million.
light. More Blue Jays. Toronto flying under radar
Only first overall pick Spencer Torkelson was paid more this year, earning himself a record-breaking $8.42 million deal.
Don’t sleep on the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East.
While the New York Yankees will always find themselves among the favorites to take the crown with their deep pockets and the Tampa Bays Rays have emerged as a legitimate threat in the American League with an elite farm system to replenish the major league roster, the Blue Jays are building quite an explosive roster themselves.
The trio of Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio are primed to dominate the AL East for years to come, forming a thrilling group of young hitters to build around. Pitching help should also be on the way shortly in top prospects Nate Pearson, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Alek Manoah all working their way to the big leagues.
2020 second-round draft pick RHP CJ Van Eyk out of Florida State is another pitching prospect to watch closely in Toronto’s system. The former Seminole has the makeup of a fast riser through the minor leagues who will battle for a spot in the backend of Toronto’s big league starting rotation.
As for Austin Martin, it’s unclear where exactly on the field he will begin his professional career, but his experience around the diamond and athleticism provide Toronto with plenty of options.
In two-plus seasons at Vanderbilt, Martin posted a career slash line of .368/.474/.532 with 57 extra-base hits and more walks (85) than strikeouts (82). Phenomenal numbers against high-quality SEC pitching.
dark. Next. Where does Austin Martin fit with Toronto?
Once Austin Martin goes through the arrival protocol in Toronto, he will work out with the organization at the Rogers Centre before heading to Buffalo where those players not on the active roster but on the 60-man roster will work out and develop.