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Austin Martin 2020 MLB Draft Profile
Austin Martin is an infielder from Jacksonville, Florida and plays for the Vanderbilt Commodores. Martin is the highest-ranked middle infielder prospect of the 2020 MLB Draft, and in the eyes of many across the industry, he’s the top overall prospect regardless of position.
According to Perfect Game, Martin was a top 100 prospect in the Class of 2017. He was the 92nd-ranked prospect and the 18th-ranked infielder in the country. Martin honored his commitment to Vanderbilt after getting drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 37th round. Martin became an immediate impact player for the Commodores. Martin had a terrific career at Vanderbilt as he slashed .368/.474/.533 (1.007 OPS).
Some open-side game swings from Austin Martin (CF, Vanderbilt). Has hit the ball hard each time today, 2-4 with a pair of singles thus far. Obvious hand & bat speed; feel for barrel. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/tShmoQHWs1
— Burke Granger (@burkegranger) February 29, 2020
At 6’0” 185 pounds, Martin is one of the best pure hitters in this draft class. He rates above average in every tool, but his hit tool is his biggest strength.
Martin consistently makes hard contact and drives the ball to all fields. His strikeout rate in his collegiate career was 6.6%. Martin doesn’t possess big-time power, but he has 15-20 home run potential at the MLB level and drives the ball to both gaps.
On defense, Martin is a solid defender that can play all around the infield. He doesn’t have any experience at shortstop but many scouts believes he’s capable of being a solid defensive shortstop. He played a lot of second and third base during his time at Vanderbilt University.
Strengths
- Makes contact
- Drives ball to all fields
- Doesn’t chase out of zone
- Consistently makes hard contact
- Showed some power in last two season at Vandy
- High baseball IQ
- Utility infielder
Weaknesses
- No experience at SS
Pro Comparison: Dansby Swanson
Projection: Top 5 draft pick
Bottom Line
"Vanderbilt shortstop Austin Martin is the best hitter available and has the athleticism to play almost anywhere on the diamond." - @jimcallisMLB
— Vanderbilt Baseball (@VandyBoys) December 5, 2019
https://t.co/UzsEMVBOx0#VandyBoys | #AnchorDown pic.twitter.com/4UZlXgcHax
The Miami Marlins used their 2019 first-round pick on Vanderbilt outfielder JJ Bleday. One year later, Austin Martin could be the next Vanderbilt Commodores star to be drafted by the Fish. Martin’s hit tool is one of the best scouts have seen in the past five years. He makes hard contact, drives the ball to all fields and could be an above average power hitter at the next level. If Martin is available, I don’t see the Marlins passing up on him unless another collegiate bat is available.