Leading up to the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft, Baseball Info Solutions will be publishing a series of position-by-position scouting reports from two of our Video Scouts for the top-5 collegiate draft prospects and two honorable mentions. Each player is graded by the 20-80 scouting scale, given a comprehensive evaluation, and assigned a floor and a ceiling comparison, which indicate–if a player makes the Major Leagues–the range of the type of player into which he can develop.

#3 Austin Martin, Utility

Vanderbilt (JR, 2020)

R/R 6-0, 185 lbs

Date of Birth: 3/23/1999

Hit- 35 (60) Power- 45 (55) Run- 55 (55) Arm- 45 (50) Field- 45 (55)

Future Value: 60

Written by Corey Leaden

Analysis

It’s tough to find a player in this draft with a more complete game then Austin Martin. A late-round pick in the 2017 Draft, Martin went on to Vanderbilt and was a major piece of the 2019 National Championship. In his time at Vanderbilt he played many positions after coming in as a shortstop from HS, he also played first base, second base, third base, and center field.

Over his 140 games played as a member of the Commodores he hit .368/ .474/ .532 while hitting 14 homers and 43 stolen bases. He struck out in only 12% of at-bats showing a strong ability to put ball into play,  walking slightly more at 13%. Martin is a savvy baserunner being able to take more bases then his above average speed would expect.

Martin has a slightly open stance with a slight knee bend. He has quiet hands and utilizes a leg kick to generate power as loads up. Martin shows great bat speed, easily turning on pitches middle-in with a quick compact swing. He is a patient hitter with a plus hit tool and an especially good eye on pitches on other side of plate. Martin is very relaxed in the box, with a balanced swing and has a knack of hitting the ball to wherever it is pitched. His high baseball IQ is displayed by being a strong situational hitter when needed and is also shown on the basepaths.

Martin has defensive question marks as he has played many positions in his time at Vanderbilt. He seems to be finding a home in center field where his athleticism can shine.

Defense is more of a question then an actual weakness as he looks natural in center but will take some time to adjust wherever he plays. He has the potential to make the move to second as well given his background playing the infield. He has many above-average tools but nothing jumps out as plus outside of his hit tool.

Summation

A guy who will hit in any spot of the order. Can set the table very well with the ability to drive the ball. Also carries above-average power and speed to impact the game in many ways. Defense is unclear but looks best suited in the outfield. Second base is an option. He comes from a strong program and is used to playing in big games

Projection

An impactful player who will hit in the top third of order and can be deployed defensively to suit a team’s needs.

Ceiling: Mookie Betts
Floor:  Garrett Hampson
Draft Expectation: Top 3 Pick