Oakland Athletics’ Top Four Draft Picks Challenge Current Prospects
Jun 17, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators runner Richie Martin (12) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Miami Hurricanes in the sixth inning in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. The Gators won 10-2. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Richie Martin
If the A’s want Franklin Barreto for his bat, then they want Richie Martin for his sensational fielding ability. Martin’s scouting report shows that he is remarkably fast. His superior range can sometimes work at a disadvantage, as multiple reports note that he sometimes appears to do too much to make a play happen. That is a problem that he can overcome with coaching and discipline, however.
Bleacher Report’s post-draft rankings place Martin as the A’s new number six prospect. However, third base prospect Renato Nunez has had difficulty in fielding at his position, Matt Chapman’s services will not be necessary for awhile as Brett Lawrie does not enter free agency until 2018, and pitcher Dillon Overton will not have many opportunities to join the A’s rotation with the return of Jarrod Parker and A.J. Griffin next year. As far as need, Martin is clearly the A’s new number three prospect behind Matt Olson and Franklin Barreto.
The A’s are third in all of baseball in runs scored, and lead the league in errors committed. They will sacrifice power at the plate for his elite defense. Expect him to rise quickly; he will be an Oakland Athletic in 2017.