The Toronto Blue Jays have called up Orelvis Martinez. Martinez is ranked as the Blue Jays number two prospect, and the sixty-eighth-best prospect in all of baseball by MLB Pipeline. The Blue Jays are hoping that this call-up will provide a spark for the team.
Martinez was originally signed as a shortstop, but also plays third base and second base. Primarily, Martinez provides a plus bat to the lineup. He has been a top hitter in the minor leagues and now hopes to translate this to the majors.
The Blue Jays have been disappointing this season, with a record below .500. The team needs something to change, and they hope Martinez will do that. He’ll be leaned on to be a spark plug for the team, adding some youth and excitement to a team that has become stale. His ability to play multiple positions will allow him to be an everyday player.
Are Trades Coming?
Now that the Blue Jays are calling up Martinez, could this signal a shift to the next generation of prospects? Blue Jays players have been mentioned in trade rumors throughout the season, and if the Blue Jays decide to go with prospects, it could mean the end for the current team.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Bo Bichette are the most notable names who may be traded in the coming months. The two were supposed to be the faces of the franchise and lead the team to the next level, but have been unable to do so. While Guerrero Jr is playing well, he isn’t at the level he was a few seasons ago. Bichette on the other hand, is not playing well at all and has a negative WAR. Selling now won’t get top value, but the team may have no other option.
What the team decides to do may be determined by how well their prospects play. If they play well it may allow the team to make more trades. For now, though, all eyes will be on the top prospects, as the Toronto Blue Jays call up Orelvis Martinez.
