Blue Jays’ development of Orelvis Martinez once again highlights a deep organizational issue

Orelvis Martinez has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Toronto Blue Jays organization. While the 22-year-old has performed at a high level to reclaim his top prospect status, there are still some concerning holes in his game as he’s just one level away from the show

As much as fans might like to see the powerful Dominican in the big leagues, his poor fielding and the Jays’ infield depth are holding him back. After making 23 errors in 2023 across two minor league levels, while playing second base, shortstop, and third base, Martinez has already made 11 gaffes in just 41 games this season with the vast majority of his innings at second base.

For the young infielder to experience such struggles at this stage of his development is concerning, but there’s still time to develop and his current position presents the most feasible path to the majors. The Blue Jays have already moved Martinez around the infield, so making him a 1B/DH would decrease his value, and they already have Vladimir Guererro Jr. and Justin Turner there, with Spencer Horwitz waiting in the wings. 

Phenomenal power has allowed Martinez to ascend to the top of the system despite well below-average defense at every stop. As they watched the phenom launch 86 home runs over the last three minor league seasons, it seems the Jays’ brass grew content with the idea of Martinez being a power hitter with a mediocre (at best) glove. The power part of his game has been established, and strides have been made to lower his strikeout rate and find a consistent approach. 

It's nice to have the youngster on hand to hit baseballs to the next town over, but the fact of the matter is that the Blue Jays have allowed him to make it all the way to the highest level of Minor League Baseball with a glove that can't be trusted at virtually any position. Keep in mind, this is the same player that began his career as a shortstop but had to move to third base because of defensive concerns. From there, he failed to handle third base well and had to be moved to second.

Again, his bat his 100 percent carrying his value, and that's fine. Sometimes that just happens with players. However, failing to handle any position in the infield makes him a whole lot less versatile, and we all know how strongly the Blue Jays feel about their defensive flexibility.

Describing Martinez as a Jeff Kent-type player is obvious but unfair, he’s only the most prolific power-hitting second baseman in league history. The Blue Jays' highest-ranked active prospect has to prove he’s not a liability on the field before a call-up is earned. 

The team craves power, and Martinez can deliver that. The collective brain trust needs to decide if he’s more valuable on the major league roster than Ernie Clement, an infielder with options.