Unsurprising Blue Jays prospect named club’s most prolific up-and-coming power hitter

In a recent article from MLB.com, they took a look at the top prospect on each team with the most power entering the 2024 season. In the case for the Toronto Blue Jays, it certainly does not come as a surprise as top positional prospect Orelvis Martinez grabbed the distinguished honour.

After a disastrous start to his 2023 minor league season where Martinez was hitting below .100, as he practically wasn’t really hitting anything other than home runs, he made some huge adjustments in-season to turn his year completely around. In the end, it actually turned out to be a solid and productive one for Martinez. More importantly, the growth of his game was substantial as he was able to maintain his power despite cutting down on his reckless swing, while developing solid plate discipline in the process.

In total, he batted .243 with an .835 OPS, 70 runs scored, 25 doubles, 28 home runs, 94 RBI, 67 walks and 126 strikeouts in 125 games played split between Double-A New Hampshire and Triple-A Buffalo. His 28 total home runs and 94 RBI had him tied for 18th and 19th respectively overall in the entire MiLB.

Martinez’s power has actually been a mainstay in his offensive arsenal the past few years, as he popped 28 home runs in just his age 19 season in 2021, and another 30 more during his milestone age 20 season just two years ago. So it certainly isn’t shocking that he may be our best power hitting prospect since Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Martinez projects to be a future 30+ home run and 100+ RBI man when he finally reaches the major leagues, which could come as soon as this season.

In preparation for his potential arrival, the Jays have been giving Martinez reps at second base during spring training. They hope that with more playable positions under his belt, the opportunity of injecting him into the lineup earlier than expected due to his added flexibility would be that much greater.

As a result, even if Martinez doesn’t end up starting the year with the big league club, look for him to put up monster numbers at Buffalo this season to force the Jays’ hand in his eventual promotion to the majors. And it will be at that time we will be able to witness his unleash of power that will make him a prolific offensive hitter for a long time.