Top 400 Draft Reports: 31-60 | 61-90 | 91-120 | 121-150 | 151-200 | 201-225 | 226-250 | 251-275 | 276-300 | 301-325 | 326-350 | 351-375 | 376-400
1. Austin Martin, 3b/cf, Vanderbilt (JR)
R-R, 6-0/175, Jacksonville, Fla.
Previously Drafted: Indians ’17 (37)
We’re not alone in ranking Martin as the No. 1 prospect in the class, but we’re certainly in the minority in that sense. Martin’s potential overall impact as well as the versatility his profile provides has sustained him at the top for us since December, and we’re keeping it that way heading into the draft. Widely considered to have the best hit tool in the class, Martin projects as at least a plus hitter and could be plus-plus, to go along with tremendous instincts and athleticism. There’s the upside of solid average game power here as well, as Martin should hit a ton of doubles and could get to 15-20 home runs annually, as well. He’s a plus runner whose speed plays in center field, where he saw most of his time this spring, but he also has shown the ability to play third base as well as second base. He could be a true super utility type of player who starts every single game but in a given week starts in 3-4 spots depending on roster construction. His approach and awareness are high-end, and he should be in the Major Leagues in short order.
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