Scouting Report

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Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50

While the Colorado high school baseball scene has produced some good talent over the years, most have come on the mound and many have gone on to college to improve their stock before going on to the pro game. A prep position player from the Centennial State hasn’t been taken in the top five rounds since the Yankees selected Greg Bird in Round 5 back in 2011. Martin, who hadn’t done much in the way of showcase events previously, put on a show at the Area Code Games last summer to position himself as one who could potentially break that streak.

A two-sport standout who serves as Eaton High School’s quarterback, Martin had football obligations that previously kept him from showing what he could do against good competition. Now scouts think he has the chance to hit, with plenty of power, from the left side of the plate. He has a good swing with excellent rhythm at the plate, showing no difficulty in squaring up balls against elite competition, albeit in a very small sample size. The 6-foot-2 infielder has a lean build with plenty of room to add more strength and power.

An average runner, Martin is athletic enough to probably send out as a shortstop, but he has the chance to become more of a physical beast as he matures. The good news is his offense should profile well at third, where he could be a very solid defender. As the weather warmed up in Colorado, scouts pouring in to see the Arkansas recruit liked what they saw, giving him the chance to be the first Colorado prepster to go in the top three rounds since Darnell McDonald was a first-rounder back in 1997.

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50 

Martin hoarded state championships at Eaton (Colo.) HS, winning three consecutive 2A titles in football as a quarterback and three straight at the 3A level in baseball. Gatorade's 2023 Colorado prep Player of the Year, he led all national high schoolers with 20 homers and 75 RBIs in 29 games last spring. The Giants seriously considered taking him with the 16th overall pick before selecting Bryce Eldridge, then were stunned to find Martin available in the second round and snapped him with a well over-slot $2,997,500 bonus.  

Despite splitting his attention between two sports in high school, Martin has a sweet left-handed swing and a disciplined approach. With his bat speed and projectable strength, he has more power potential than a typical middle infielder. He lets his pop come naturally, looking to drive the ball from gap to gap rather than swinging for the fences, though he has has accumulated too many strikeouts and groundouts in his pro debut. 

A fine athlete who also starred in basketball in high school, Martin has solid speed and 25-25 upside. While he has good actions and covers ground at shortstop, his arm is merely average and may eventually force a move to second or third base. His frame and offensive ceiling are reminiscent of Corey Seager at the same stage of their careers. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50 

Martin quarterbacked Eaton (Colo.) HS to three straight football state 2A championships and also led its baseball team to three consecutive state 3A titles. Gatorade's Colorado prep player of the year, he led national high schoolers with 20 homers and 75 RBIs in 29 games this spring. The Giants considered drafting him 16th overall in the first round before opting for Bryce Eldridge, then pounced on Martin in the second round and paid him a well-over-slot $2,997,500. 

Though Martin divided his time between baseball and football, he's a relatively advanced hitter with a sweet left-handed swing and a good sense of timing at the plate. He also has a disciplined approach and concentrates on making hard contact from gap to gap. His hitting ability, bat speed and the projectable strength in his 6-foot-2 frame give him more power potential than most middle infielders.

A quality athlete who also starred in basketball at Eaton, Martin has solid speed. He has good actions and moves well at shortstop, though his arm is merely average. That could dictate a move to second base or third base, as could a possible decrease in quickness as he matures physically, but his bat will profile well anywhere in the infield.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/05/2024	SS Walker Martin assigned to San Jose Giants from ACL Giants.
	04/01/2024	SS Walker Martin assigned to ACL Giants Orange.
	03/07/2024	San Francisco Giants Prospects activated SS Walker Martin.
	07/17/2023	San Francisco Giants signed SS Walker Martin.
	06/15/2023	SS Walker Martin assigned to College Workout.
	07/16/2022	SS Walker Martin and assigned to High School Workout.