Slugging Blue Jays youngster continues to earn high praise in prospect ranking lists

Orelvis Martinez has been garnering high praise in prospect rankings due to his exceptional combination of raw talent, and power. As a young and dynamic infielder in the Toronto Blue Jays' farm system, Martinez has showcased an impressive set of offensive tools, including power, bat speed, and much improved plate discipline. Prospect wizard Aram Leighton of Just Baseball has ranked Martinez as the sixth best third base prospect in all of baseball, with a 60/60 power raw power ranking. MLB.com ranks the 22-year-old as the Blue Jays’ second best prospect, and the league's 88th prospect. 

He has accumulated lots of notice around the league since signing with the Blue Jays as an International free agent back in 2018, as he’s racked up 93 home runs in four minor league seasons. He has played both shortstop and third base during his time in the minors, though profiles better as a third baseman due to his 60 grade arm on MLB.com. With just a 45 fielding grade, there is still much to improve on in the field, but his plus arm and average speed help make up for the lack of footwork and at the hot corner.

In the 2022 Double-A season, Martinez impressively launched 30 home runs in 118 games, yet his stock as a prospect failed to rise due to concerns about his approach and susceptibility to strikeouts. However, recent tangible adjustments in Martinez's approach at the plate have resulted in noticeable improvements in contact rates, a significant increase in walk rates, and the creation of a more favourable spray chart. These adjustments are instilling a sense of optimism within the baseball community, suggesting that Martinez may have found the key to tapping into his potential to hit for power while addressing the concerns that previously surrounded his offensive game. The COVID-induced cancellation of the 2020 season meant that Martinez's age-21 season in 2023 marked only his third full season in professional play.

With the departure of third baseman Matt Chapman, the path to MLB has opened up for Martinez as there is no runaway starter set for the Blue Jays hot corner position. Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal and newly acquired Isiah Kiner-Falefa all have experience playing third base at the major league level, though Martinez’s improvement from last season should warrant at least a chance of cracking the opening day roster. Even if he fails to make the roster for opening day, there will certainly be injuries and a need for Martinez’s services this season.