• Full name Christopher Austin Martin
  • Born 03/23/1999 in Deland, FL
  • Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Vanderbilt
  • Drafted in the 1st round (5th overall) by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020 (signed for $7,000,825).
    View Draft Report
    A first team All-American and Golden Spikes semifinalist after an outstanding sophomore season in which he hit .392/.486/.604 and was third in the country in hits, Martin has long been one of the favorites for the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Martin has some of the best pure hitting ability in the class, with eye-popping bat speed, excellent contact ability and impressive plate discipline as well. Martin also appeared to be increasing his power production. He hit eight home runs as a sophomore after tallying just one in his freshman season. He hit three in 16 games in 2020 before the season was canceled, with the best isolated slugging percentage of his career (.286). Some people have thrown Dansby Swanson comparisons on Martin, as both are at the top of their respective classes and Vanderbilt products, but without spending any time at shortstop, it’s perhaps more misleading than accurate. There aren’t many 1-1 candidate prospects who made position changes during their draft-eligible seasons, so perhaps Ian Happ is a better comparison in terms of tools and defensive versatility, though Martin’s contact ability and presence in the box are superior to Happ’s at the time. After spending most of his time with Vanderbilt at third base, Martin moved to center field after a few games this spring. He also played center field with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team, and while he doesn’t have elite speed or the best first step, he has the instincts and athleticism to handle the position. Martin is more of a plus runner than a true burner, and while teams would have liked to see him handle shortstop, it is concerning for his pro potential at the position considering he wasn’t the shortstop on his college team. Even if Martin doesn’t wind up at shortstop, he has the defensive ability to become an asset at a premium position, whether that’s in center field, third base or second. While there are questions about his future defensive home, Martin’s offensive resume is as impressive as any in the country, with the ability to hit for high average, draw plenty of walks, hit for extra bases and also be a disruptive runner on the bases. His profile is as complete as it gets in the 2020 class.

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Organization Prospect Rankings

Draft Prospects

Minor League Top Prospects

Top 100 Rankings

Scouting Reports

Career Transactions

  • St. Paul Saints activated SS Austin Martin from the 7-day injured list.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to FCL Twins.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to FCL Twins.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to FCL Twins.
  • St. Paul Saints sent SS Austin Martin on a rehab assignment to FCL Twins.
  • SS Austin Martin assigned to St. Paul Saints from Wichita Wind Surge.
  • SS Austin Martin roster status changed by Minnesota Twins.
  • Minnesota Twins invited non-roster SS Austin Martin to spring training.

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