Brandon Martin Stats & Scouting Report

AB	309
AVG	.214
OBP	.287
SLG	.346
HR	8

Full name Brandon Willie Martin
Born 08/24/1993 in Anaheim, CA
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 185 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Santiago
Drafted in the C-A round (38th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011 (signed for $860,000).

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Perhaps the most improved prep player in Southern California, Martin has rocketed to the top of the region's thin group of high school infielders by showing off five legitimate tools this spring. He worked hard to add muscle in the offseason, and it paid dividends at the plate. Scouts used to question his bat, but now they praise his line-drive swing and bat speed. Some scouts think he'll develop at least average power, while others regard his power as fringy. He's a good high-ball hitter with an aggressive approach, and he could mature into a solid-average hitter. An average runner, Martin is a fast-twitch athlete who can make highlight-reel plays at shortstop, though he has plenty of work to do there. He has good range and a strong arm with good carry, but he's also an upright defender who tends to field balls deep and needs to smooth out his actions. He has a quiet personality but is a good teammate and a hard worker.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Another supplemental first-rounder from the Rays' 2011 draft class, Martin stood out for his defensive ability and earned an $860,000 bonus as the 38th overall pick. He lived up to his reputation with the leather in 2012, leading Appalachian League shortstops in putouts (78), assists (194), total chances (286) and double plays (37). Scouts rave about his intelligence and decision-making as well as his overall feel for the position. Martin has soft hands and a quick exchange with a strong, accurate arm. An average runner, he has a quick first step and impressive anticipation, traits that should allow him to remain at the position for the long haul. At the plate, Martin struggles to make consistent contact because he chases breaking balls outside the strike zone and struggles with pitch recognition. He hit just .194/.249/.358 against righthanders. He does have solid pop when he connects. Martin has the tools and talent to make adjustments at higher levels and hit enough to develop into a big league shortstop. He'll make the jump to low Class A in 2013.
Quality defensive shortstops were a rare commodity in the 2011 draft, but the Rays found one with the 38th overall pick. Thanks to adding muscle by dedicating himself to a workout program, Martin made huge progress at the plate as a high school senior last spring. He has a quick bat and a line-drive swing that should allow him to hit for average with good pop for a middle infielder. He's an average runner who can steal a few bases, but it's with his glove that Martin really shines. He makes highlight-reel plays with the leather with his quick-twitch athleticism. He has plus range and soft, reliable hands to go with an above-average arm with excellent carry on his throws. His actions aren't always smooth, though Tampa Bay believes he can iron them out. Martin is likely to spend his first full pro season at Princeton.

Minor League Top Prospects

The Rays selected Martin 36th overall in last year's draft, six picks after Jake Hager, a fellow high school shortstop. Hager moved on to low Class A Bowling Green this year, while Martin assumed Hager's former position as shortstop for Princeton, catching the eye of Appy League managers with his consistent defensive play and surprising power. Martin led all league shortstops in assists (194), putouts (78) and double plays (37), proving his durability by playing in 63 of the Rays' 68 games. He understands the ins and outs of the position, converts all the balls he gets to into outs and makes strong, accurate throws to first base. He benefits from a quick exchange and arm action, leaving no doubt he can handle the shortstop position despite just average speed. Martin was one of eight Appy leaguers--and the lone middle infielder--to reach double digits in homers (10), the result of solid power and the bat speed to catch up with any fastball. However, he hit just .209 and stuck out in 26 percent of his plate appearances because he struggles to identify and hit breaking balls. He hit a miserable .194/.249/.358 in 201 at-bats versus righthanders and probably won't hit for much of an average going forward without making more contact.