In need of offense, the Blue Jays have called up Orelvis Martinez, ranked a top 100 prospect per MLB.com, to Toronto. The move gives Martinez his first taste of the Majors, and it comes amidst a slow start offensively for a Jays team that sits below .500.
A Look at Martinez
Blue Jays infielder Orelvis Martinez has been a name long-known to followers of the Minors. Arguably the best hitting prospect in the Jays’ system, Martinez was signed by Toronto in July 2018 for $3.5M and made an immediate splash in 2019. In the GCL, Martinez posted a .901 OPS as a 17-year-old.
Two years later, Martinez erupted for 28 home runs and 56 extra-base hits across two levels. The 22-year-old scuffled at times with New Hampshire (AA) in 2022 but still hit 30 home runs in the Eastern League. Martinez raised his OPS over 100 points, to .836, in 2023 and did very well in Buffalo this season, as he racked up 30 extra-base hits over 63 games.
A strong infielder who generates bat speed and effectively uses his core and lower half, Martinez projects to be a plus power hitter at the MLB level, one who could hit the 30-home run marker should he hit his potential.
There are some holes in Martinez’s game, mainly with his swing-and-miss troubles. Martinez struck out 28.5% of the time in 2022 but that number dropped over time. Before his promotion to Toronto, Martinez posted a 24.2% K% with the Bisons. He’s also been more diligent in taking pitches, as his 3.983 P/PA in 2023 was significantly higher compared to 2022 (3.687).
Defensively, Martinez began as a shortstop but realistically, the 22-year-old doesn’t have the range for the position. He’s on the heavier side and weighs around 200 pounds. With Buffalo, Martinez spent most of his time in 2024 at second base. He did, though, see 15 starts at third base.
Scouting reports laud Martinez’s arm strength, which would make him a solid fit at third. However, Toronto made him a primary second baseman in the Minors last summer to give him more reaction time than at the hot corner.
The Blue Jays promoted Orelvis Martinez to replace Bo Bichette, who landed on the IL with a right hamstring strain.
Analysis
The Blue Jays have seen a steady decline in offensive production over the last two seasons. After moving on from Teoscar Hernandez in 2022, losing Matt Chapman last winter, and a decline in production from George Springer, Toronto sits 25th in SLG (.365) and 26th in runs scored (287). Juxtapose that with 2022, when Toronto finished in the top five in runs scored (775) and slugging percentage (.431).
Considering that, Martinez could provide a jolt for the Blue Jays. However, it’s unclear how much Martinez will play at the MLB level right now.
Manager John Schneider stated regarding Martinez, “If he’s not in the starting lineup, I think that having his bat on the bench is beneficial…There will definitely be games he’s starting, whether it’s [against] a left-handed pitcher or right-handed.”
Toronto’s given looks to Addison Barger and Spencer Horwitz this season. Now, Martinez will get his look.
Fantasy Outlook
Given the rash of injuries that have hit in recent weeks. a player like Martinez would be an intriguing option, especially with his power. And, we did highlight him in February as a hitting prospect who could provide value to fantasy baseball players.
The big issue, though, is how much Martinez will play, and whether he’ll stick once Bichette comes back. But if Martinez comes out of the gate hot, it’ll be tough to send him down amidst a down year offensively.