With the fifth pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays selected Austin Martin, a shortstop out of Vanderbilt.
The Florida native is the best pure hitter in the draft. He also offers positional flexibility after starting games at six different positions as a freshman before settling in more regularly at third base later in his college career. The Jays announced him as a shortstop.
Martin was expected to go as high as No. 2 overall and was once rumored to be tied to the Detroit Tigers at the top spot. However, the Baltimore Orioles selected outfielder Heston Kjerstad, causing the Vandy star to slip to No. 5.
Bio
Age: 21
Position: 3B/OF
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 185 lbs
Bats/Throws: R/R
School: Vanderbilt
Pick value: $6,180,700
Tools
- Best hitter in draft (65-grade hit tool)
- Led NCAA Division I in runs scored
- Solid speed
- Extremely athletic
Why you're going to love this guy
- Makes consistently hard contact
- Advanced control of strike zone
- Can play multiple positions (second base, third base, center field)
- Soft hands, quick feet on defense
Things he'll need to overcome
- Concerns about throwing
- Power needs development
2020 stats
| PA | AVG | OPS | HR | RBI | BB/K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | .377 | 1.168 | 3 | 11 | 10/2 |
Take a look ...
(Video source: Wheels on YouTube)
