Give Austin Martin a Chance to be a Regular.

[stringer bell]

Austin Martin was one of the few bright spots on the Twins team after the trade deadline in 2025. He played a much-improved outfield, stole a few bases and hit quite well. Based on that performance, he was viewed as a lock to make the 2026 Twins team.

Due to scheduling quirks and chance, Martin has  been in the lineup frequently so far in 2026. The Twins have faced left handed starters more than right handed starters and that will not be sustained over the course of a season. I am advocating that the Twins use Martin as their everyday left fielder for weeks or months to see if his skill set and abilities are good enough to be an everyday player. 

So far in 2026, Martin is getting on base at an elite level. He has eight hits in 28 at-bats, but also has eight walks and has been hit by two pitches, yielding a .437 OBP. If he had enough plate appearances, he would be right around the top ten of all MLB. According to BBRef, Martin is also a positive in the field, already having a +3 in Defensive Runs Saved and +1 in Total Zone Fielding. In addition, Martin provides value on the bases. He is showing negative value right now because he was picked off twice, but over the course of a season I am confident his base stealing and extra bases taken would eventually provide positive value. These are all really small sample sizes and to me that is the point. If, and it is a big if, Martin can sustain elite OBP, defense and base running, shouldn't he be in the lineup most or all of the time? In this small sample size, BBRef gives him .5 WAR, which projected to a full season would be around 6 WAR, which is an All-Star level.

Martin, in his career which includes 476 plate appearances has 31 extra-base hits and only two homers. A power hitter he is not. His overall fielding metrics are subpar, but as noted he has improved dramatically since he has concentrated on being an outfielder. In his career, he has a .673 OPS against right handed pitching (below average), but his only sustained run of regular playing time against righties, he did much better. 

Austin Martin recently turned 27 years old. In baseball age, he is no longer young. The Twins have three corner outfield prospects playing in Triple A and it is assumed that one or all of them will be promoted this year. I think the Twins need to know if Martin can or should be a full-time player. Regular readers of TD will know this isn't a new idea for me. I've been banging this drum since the end of the '25 season. I believe Martin can provide an offensive spark while helping the team on defense and the bases and that he shouldn't be assigned a short side platoon role. In this year of transition, it should be determined if Martin is a keeper or a role player.

I hope this posting can stimulate some discussion. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'd like to see more guys who put the ball in play and can win games with their bat, their legs and their glove. I think Austin Martin can be one of those guys.

[Richie the Rally Goat]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

Austin Martin was one of the few bright spots on the Twins team after the trade deadline in 2025. He played a much-improved outfield, stole a few bases and hit quite well. Based on that performance, he was viewed as a lock to make the 2026 Twins team.

Due to scheduling quirks and chance, Martin has  been in the lineup frequently so far in 2026. The Twins have faced left handed starters more than right handed starters and that will not be sustained over the course of a season. I am advocating that the Twins use Martin as their everyday left fielder for weeks or months to see if his skill set and abilities are good enough to be an everyday player. 

So far in 2026, Martin is getting on base at an elite level. He has eight hits in 28 at-bats, but also has eight walks and has been hit by two pitches, yielding a .437 OBP. If he had enough plate appearances, he would be right around the top ten of all MLB. According to BBRef, Martin is also a positive in the field, already having a +3 in Defensive Runs Saved and +1 in Total Zone Fielding. In addition, Martin provides value on the bases. He is showing negative value right now because he was picked off twice, but over the course of a season I am confident his base stealing and extra bases taken would eventually provide positive value. These are all really small sample sizes and to me that is the point. If, and it is a big if, Martin can sustain elite OBP, defense and base running, shouldn't he be in the lineup most or all of the time? In this small sample size, BBRef gives him .5 WAR, which projected to a full season would be around 6 WAR, which is an All-Star level.

Martin, in his career which includes 476 plate appearances has 31 extra-base hits and only two homers. A power hitter he is not. His overall fielding metrics are subpar, but as noted he has improved dramatically since he has concentrated on being an outfielder. In his career, he has a .673 OPS against right handed pitching (below average), but his only sustained run of regular playing time against righties, he did much better. 

Austin Martin recently turned 27 years old. In baseball age, he is no longer young. The Twins have three corner outfield prospects playing in Triple A and it is assumed that one or all of them will be promoted this year. I think the Twins need to know if Martin can or should be a full-time player. Regular readers of TD will know this isn't a new idea for me. I've been banging this drum since the end of the '25 season. I believe Martin can provide an offensive spark while helping the team on defense and the bases and that he shouldn't be assigned a short side platoon role. In this year of transition, it should be determined if Martin is a keeper or a role player.

I hope this posting can stimulate some discussion. Maybe I'm missing something, but I'd like to see more guys who put the ball in play and can win games with their bat, their legs and their glove. I think Austin Martin can be one of those guys.

since the trade deadline 219 PAs, the .074 iso might actually help him because no one will be afraid of throwing him a meatball.

[tony&rodney]

Austin Martin has improved defensively. The differences between him and Trevor Larnach are pretty noticeable. Does that make any difference to the Twins? Martin has had long plate appearances that can contribute towards offense. His OBP is good. I agree that the Twins need to give Martin 5+ starts per week in left field. 2026 is a time to find out who can play.

[strumdatjag]

I like Larnach used against RH pitchers.   However, Martin has more speed to cover all ground in LF at Target Field.  He deserves the more playing time he is getting.  .   

[stringer bell]

Just now, strumdatjag said:

I like Larnach used against RH pitchers.   However, Martin has more speed to cover all ground in LF at Target Field.  He deserves the more playing time he is getting.  .   

We can't be sure, but it appears he's playing this much because the Twins are facing so many left handed pitchers. Martin has started one game against a right hander and it was is center field because Buxton was dinged.

I don't really think Martin is a better hitter against right handed pitching than Larnach or maybe even Clemens, but I think there's more in his overall game than either of those guys offer. 

[Mike Sixel]

Martin should 100 percent be a regular. 

[stringer bell]

Martin is getting his first ever start in right field today.

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

Martin is getting his first ever start in right field today.

Does he belong there?  I don't think of him as having the arm for it.  Larnach has been known to patrol RF in Wallner's absence, but he's in LF today.

I suppose the arm isn't as bad as Ben Revere's back in the day.  Revere brought out some strategic thoughts I hadn't considered before - if you have TWO mediocre arms in the corners, maybe put the worse one in right because neither will make any plays at 3B from there anyway, and try to preserve the threat when the ball goes to left.

[jaimedude]

1 hour ago, stringer bell said:

Martin is getting his first ever start in right field today.

I think it is the configuration of Rogers place, having to cover a lot of ground with footspeed rather than arm. Larnach doesn't throw very well. 

[stringer bell]

42 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Does he belong there?  I don't think of him as having the arm for it.  Larnach has been known to patrol RF in Wallner's absence, but he's in LF today.

I suppose the arm isn't as bad as Ben Revere's back in the day.  Revere brought out some strategic thoughts I hadn't considered before - if you have TWO mediocre arms in the corners, maybe put the worse one in right because neither will make any plays at 3B from there anyway, and try to preserve the threat when the ball goes to left.

I believe Martin had arm surgery when he was a minor leaguer. Much like Keaschall, when he debuted with the Twins he hadn't fully recovered and his arm was well below average. According to statcast, he now has a 55th percentile arm (certainly not a cannon) but satisfactory. 

[ashbury]

11 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

I believe Martin had arm surgery when he was a minor leaguer. Much like Keaschall, when he debuted with the Twins he hadn't fully recovered and his arm was well below average. According to statcast, he now has a 55th percentile arm (certainly not a cannon) but satisfactory. 

55th percentile among all major leaguers isn't a glowing recommendation for RF.  Below "satisfactory" is the term "adequate" that you sometimes see in scouting contexts - not intended as a compliment - and I'm thinking that's where he sits as a right fielder specifically.  On a par with Larnach perhaps.

I'm spotting 4 lefty hitters plus one switch hitter in the Jays' lineup, so possibly the speedier Martin in RF will be able to track down more tough fly balls than Larnach can.  If the Twins eventually bring in a couple of lefty relievers and turn the Jays' lineup around, and swap Larnach and Martin, that would be really telling - but I doubt a manager would go to such an extreme for a variety of reasons.

[Riverbrian]

1 hour ago, ashbury said:

55th percentile among all major leaguers isn't a glowing recommendation for RF.  Below "satisfactory" is the term "adequate" that you sometimes see in scouting contexts - not intended as a compliment - and I'm thinking that's where he sits as a right fielder specifically.  On a par with Larnach perhaps.

I'm spotting 4 lefty hitters plus one switch hitter in the Jays' lineup, so possibly the speedier Martin in RF will be able to track down more tough fly balls than Larnach can.  If the Twins eventually bring in a couple of lefty relievers and turn the Jays' lineup around, and swap Larnach and Martin, that would be really telling - but I doubt a manager would go to such an extreme for a variety of reasons.

Speed can make up for arm strength.

Speed won't help you much on straight tag up throws.

However... on any ball that hits the ground and must be fielded by the OF... Speed can more than make up for arm strength. No matter his arm strength. He can throw it faster than anybody can run. The weakest arms are still a threat to any runner trying to take a base.

Players and base coaches make quick decisions on where the fielder is and their current/future orientation to the baseball.

What direction is he running? How close is he?

If the fielder is running away from the bases or running so they have to turn and throw. Those are the cues to go for the bag. Arm strength isn't the calculation.

Faster runners not only get to the ball quicker... they can also get themselves in better position for the throw. If the fielder has a ball in hand near easy throwing position. The Runner will stop at second base even if it's a Ben Revere arm in RF. 

As much as I protect Trevor Larnach on this website and as much as I point out the majority of plays being routine plays. I'd love to have speed in CF, speed in LF and speed in RF.

I just believe that after the bullpen. Offense in in need of the most fixin. I can't yell about the offense too loud because they are currently 9th in runs scored per game.

On the other hand... The Bullpen is 25th... so I can keep that ranked #1. 

[Riverbrian]

We have no idea what Derek Shelton's intentions are in regards to Austin Martin. We still don't know if he will be utilized as a short side platoon because this bizarre run of left handed starters has actually made the left side of the batters box the short side.  

As you pointed out... he made one start against a right handed starter. Buxton was dinged up and doing DH duty but Shelton did give him an opportunity instead of the left handed James Outman. 

On your thoughts about it. I 100% agree. 1,000% agree. I would give Martin good playing time and allow him to... I almost said it again. Well.. You know.

Martin hasn't earned the right to prevent others from playing but the other players also haven't earned the right to keep Martin from playing time.

This is easy enough done. It's even easier if the Twins play Bell at 1B... like they have been lately.

I'll say it... I apologize to all. LET THEM COMPETE! 

It's a small sample right now... but so far... Martin looks like he wants it. Larnach looks like he wants it. Wallner does not look like he wants it. His strikeout rate is too high. Time will tell. 

[ashbury]

21 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Speed can make up for arm strength.

Speed won't help you much on straight tag up throws.

However... on any ball that hits the ground and must be fielded by the OF... Speed can more than make up for arm strength. No matter his arm strength. He can throw it faster than anybody can run. The weakest arms are still a threat to any runner trying to take a base.

Says hi.

At least I haven't seen Martin two-bounce it to his cutoff man.  Yet.

[Linus]

 Couldn’t agree more. One of the things this FO doesn’t do well is make decisive playing time decisions so you can find out what you have or don’t have. He’s 27, there are guys behind him, play him and find out. 

[Riverbrian]

17 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Says hi.

At least I haven't seen Martin two-bounce it to his cutoff man.  Yet.

Tell Ben Hi from me. 

I loved Ben Revere. 

 

 

[ashbury]

4 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

Tell Ben Hi from me. 

I loved Ben Revere. 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/RevereAssist-14.gif

Enjoyable - the runner had absolutely no clue this ball could possibly be caught.

Note that the cutoff man* may have thrown the ball for greater distance than Ben did.  😁

* one of two, as was the custom when Ben roamed the grass

[Riverbrian]

3 minutes ago, ashbury said:

Enjoyable - the runner had absolutely no clue this ball could possibly be caught.

Note that the cutoff man may have thrown the ball for greater distance than Ben did.  😁

I was looking for the Spiderman catch in Camden Yards. Oddly... I couldn't find it. Still one of the top CF catches ever made in a Twins uniform.

I didn't stop thinking about that catch for weeks. 

If anyone has it... I'd love to see that one again. 

I was a huge Ben Revere fan. If I could have given Ben one gift or gave him one improvement to help his career. Arm strength wouldn't have been my gift to him.

I would of gave him just enough power that the opposing pitchers would have had a reason to pitch him carefully and maybe risk the occasional walk. 

[Linus]

I’m a little surprised at how many walks he is drawing. I think the advanced scouting reports will soon call for pitchers to challenge him more. 

[ashbury]

19 minutes ago, Riverbrian said:

I was looking for the Spiderman catch in Camden Yards. Oddly... I couldn't find it. Still one of the top CF catches ever made in a Twins uniform.

I didn't stop thinking about that catch for weeks. 

If anyone has it... I'd love to see that one again. 

I was a huge Ben Revere fan. If I could have given Ben one gift or gave him one improvement to help his career. Arm strength wouldn't have been my gift to him.

I would of gave him just enough power that the opposing pitchers would have had a reason to pitch him carefully and maybe risk the occasional walk. 

He truly was a three-tool player, and of his two deficiencies (both about 20 on the 80 point scale) Power is the more important one to a position player than Arm, so I wouldn't disagree.  Why didn't you just do that for him?  He would have thanked you.

[Riverbrian]

4 hours ago, ashbury said:

He truly was a three-tool player, and of his two deficiencies (both about 20 on the 80 point scale) Power is the more important one to a position player than Arm, so I wouldn't disagree.  Why didn't you just do that for him?  He would have thanked you.

I tried... I really tried. I was at Target Field with my magic wand power shooter thing.

I was seated along the left field line. I just had to wait for Ben to head to the dugout at the end of the inning placing himself in the 15 yard range of this contraption. 

Just as he crossed in range... I let it fly. At that exact moment an 80 year old lady stood up and took a direct shot to the back of her head. 

She was so pissed at me. She turned and with her suddenly brawny arms... She ripped her chair from row 1 and threw it at me.  

I apologized to get things back to normal and she returned to watching the game. No Chair of course... so she stood and blocked my view the rest of the game.