Breaking: Blue Jays’ Secret Weapon: Is This Prospect’s Monster Bat Forcing His Way Onto the Roster?”

Spring training is always an exciting time of year, signaling the approach of the MLB regular season and offering young players across the league a chance to prove they belong on a big-league roster. While Grapefruit League stats often don’t carry much weight, a standout performance can still pave the way for a player to earn a spot.

For the Blue Jays, that player could be Orelvis Martinez, who is vying for a backup infield role this spring. Originally a third baseman, Martinez has primarily been playing second base this spring. Ranked as the Blue Jays’ No. 2 prospect by MLB Pipeline, Martinez is looking to bounce back after missing the second half of last season due to a PED suspension. A strong spring could help him move past that setback and solidify his case for a roster spot.

Martinez has already turned heads this spring. Through Friday’s game, he’s gone 3-for-10 with a double, a home run, and two walks. While it’s still early in camp—and pitchers aren’t yet at regular-season form—Martinez has wasted no time showcasing his impressive 60-grade power. Last season in Triple-A, he smashed 17 home runs and 19 doubles, posting a .523 slugging percentage and a .346 on-base percentage. His 120 wRC+ and a manageable 23.8% strikeout rate further highlighted his potential.

After making his MLB debut in one game last year before his suspension, Martinez is now knocking on the door of the big leagues. If he maintains this strong performance throughout the spring, he could very well secure a spot on the Blue Jays’ Opening Day roster.

Martinez is a rare talent who can contribute to the team both now and in the future, making it crucial for the Blue Jays’ front office to prioritize his development and return to the majors. His potential impact is even more significant given the uncertain futures of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, who could both depart after this season. As the Blue Jays begin to plan for their next contention window, Martinez could emerge as a cornerstone player to build around.

If his early spring performance is any indication, Martinez might just be that player. With his power and versatility, he’s making a compelling case to be part of the Blue Jays’ plans—both for 2025 and beyond.