In the fourth round the Phillies take Kyle Martin a senior first baseman out of the University of South Carolina. Martin will likely be under slot, but he is not a non-prospect. Martin hit .350/.455/.635 with 14 HRs 11 SB 39 BB and 27 K over 57 games this past year.
BA Pre-draft Report:
Martin’s profile is hard to sell, as all of his value is tied into his lefthanded bat. Martin has quick hands and a patient approach at the plate, with strong strike zone discipline. Martin shows off plus raw power in batting practice, with the ability to drive the ball out from foul pole to foul pole. The Angels took a shot at Martin as a junior in 2014, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement. Martin did not become a lineup fixture for the Gamecocks until his junior year, and he now has two years of performing in the SEC in his portfolio, he hit 15 home runs this year with more walks (39) than strikeouts (27). Those who believe in Martin’s bat could view him a solid senior sign whose offensive upside could carry him.
Right now there is a feeling that there is an over slot player in mind for the Phillies unless Randolph costs a lot more than we think he will.
Martin not your typical senior sign numbers were fantastic left handed power and showed a really solid eye at plate
— Jeffmlbdraft (@jeffMLBdraft) June 9, 2015
It looks like Randolph , with Boras , will be costly. Phils taking a risk with williams’ speed , and Martin’s power. I hope they see something others do not, but their track record is not good.
I don’t see why they only see Martin’s power,he is the best first baseman I ever saw.