Austin Martin

A first team All-American and Golden Spikes semifinalist as a sophomore, Martin has long been one of the favorites for the first overall pick in the 2020 draft. Martin has some of the best pure hitting ability in the class with eye-popping bat speed, excellent contact ability and impressive plate discipline. He is more pure hitter than masher, but he increased his home run total from one as a freshman to 10 as a sophomore. He hit three homers in 16 games before the 2020 season was canceled, with the best isolated slugging percentage of his career (.286). Some have compared Martin to Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson as a fellow Vanderbilt product, but Martin mostly played third base with the Commodores and moved to center field this season after experiencing throwing accuracy problems. He also played center field for USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team. While Martin doesn’t have elite speed or the best first step, he has the instincts and athleticism to potentially handle center field. Martin is more of an above-average to plus runner than a burner. Even if Martin doesn’t wind up at shortstop, he has the defensive ability to become an asset at a premium position, whether that’s center field, third base or second base. While there are questions about his future defensive home, Martin’s offensive resume is as impressive as any in the country, with the ability to hit for high average, draw plenty of walks and be a disruptive runner on the basepaths.