Blue Jays’ first offseason move, Rudy Martin Jr., could be Myles Straw's replacement

The Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason is officially underway, and the first move is a small one with a potentially big implication. Toronto is bringing back Rudy Martin Jr. on a minor league contract. The deal with the speedy outfielder was first reported by Ari Alexander of 7News. Martin will be in big league camp as a non-roster invitee. What makes this interesting is the timing, considering the Blue Jays declined Myles Straw’s $8 million option earlier this week, and Martin may be able to do much of the same job for a lot less.

Martin is a right-handed hitting outfielder, something the Blue Jays don’t have an abundance of. Adding right-handed bats will be the major focus of their offseason shopping, but Martin gives them some depth in that role while they work on the bigger moves. He also lines up with the role Straw held the past two seasons, as a speedy outfielder who can step in off the bench or in the field when needed.

While there is reported mutual interest in a reunion with Straw, it does feel like Martin can do the same job for a lot less. If the Blue Jays are mostly looking for a speedy, defensive-minded outfielder at the end of the bench, paying $8 million for that role is hard to justify when a minor league deal can fill it. If they do bring Straw back on a cheaper deal, it will be worth asking what each player adds that the other doesn’t.

Who is Rudy Martin Jr., and what does he bring to the Blue Jays?

Toronto originally acquired the 30-year-old Martin, off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles in August. He had previously been with the Kansas City Royals before going to Baltimore in exchange for cash.

Martin made his big league debut with the Blue Jays in late September, but he totaled only three plate appearances. He didn't record his first MLB hit, though he did draw a walk. The Blue Jays removed him from the 40-man roster last week, after which he elected free agency.

Martin spent most of the 2026 season at Triple-A, splitting his time between the Royals and Blue Jays organizations. He posted a combined .274/.394/.421 line (119 wRC+) with 11 home runs and 45 stolen bases in 53 attempts, an 84.9% success rate.

The Royals drafted Martin in the 25th round out of Lewisburg High School in Missouri over a decade ago and it's been a 12 year grind through the minors for Martin. Over that stretch, he slashed .252/.358/.387 with 239 stolen bases in nearly 2,500 minor league plate appearances. His speed has always been the calling card, and his on-base skills make will make him a player to keep an eye on in camp.

At his best, Martin could potentially be a platoon option alongside Brett Bateman, which would give the Blue Jays another way to cover the outfield without spending big in free agency or on the trade market. That is the realistic ceiling here. It's a minor league deal, so there is no risk to the 40-man roster, and Martin will have to earn his way onto the team.

For Toronto, it costs next to nothing and adds a right-handed outfield option who can run, and it may make the Straw decision a lot easier.

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