Blue Jays Come to Terms with Fifth Overall Pick Austin Martin

Friday afternoon, Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae announced that the Blue Jays had agreed to terms on a contract pending a physical with Austin Martin.

Austin Martin was picked by many to be a top two pick in this past June’s MLB Draft, however he dropped to the fifth overall spot and the Blue Jays jumped all over selecting the top end talent.

Baseball America had picked Martin as the nation’s “toolsiest” draft prospect and the top hitter, as well as strike-zone judgement player available.

It is still unclear where Martin will develop as a player as he was announced as a shortstop, but has seen a significant amount of time at both third base and in centre field.  With a lack of outfield prospects in the Blue Jays organization, comparisons to Mookie Betts and the team getting close to be a contending team, you have to think that the team will at least try him in the outfield.

Over parts of three seasons at Vanderbilt, Martin posted a slash line of .376/.479/.521 over 118 games.  He has a very steady bat path through the strike zone and is projected to hit for high average; while not a huge power threat he should be a 20 home run hitter in the majors.

Details on the contract and signing bonus have not be released at this time, but there was speculation that the Scott Boras client would be seeking close the $7.8 million contract that the second pick slot value was worth, which is $1.7 million more than the fifth overall slot.

The Blue Jays made a flurry of moves on Thursday afternoon between signing a couple players and placing a bunch on the 10-day disabled list.  Even with the moves there is still room for Austin Martin to be added to the 60-man roster.  With this being an unconventional season it is not out of the question that Martin makes his major league debut this season.

Martin will join a nucleus of Danny Jansen, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette, Nate Pearson, Alek Manoah and Jordan Groshans that could terrorize teams for years.  On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you to see Austin Martin in a Blue Jays uniform?