Tampa Bay Rays: Top 5 Prospects for the 2020 MLB Draft

3. Tampa Bay Rays Potential Draft Pick – SS Casey Martin, Arkansas

While the Rays’ don’t necessarily need another middle infielder, Casey Martin could be the direction that they decide to go come draft day. The 5-foot-11 175-pound shortstop out of the University of Arkansas is a tad bit undersized, but with power, for days he makes for quite the interesting big-league prospect.

One of Martin’s big strengths is his athleticism. He has the speed and arm talent to play multiple positions including sliding him over to third base or putting him out in centerfield.

Martin has had a very productive career at the University of Arkansas. In his freshman year, Martin hit an outstanding .345 with 13 home runs and 49 runs driven in while posting a .974 OPS. For his performance that season he earned many accolades including being named to the SEC All-Freshman team, second-team All-SEC, and a freshman All-American.

While he didn’t quite hit those numbers again in his sophomore year, he still produced at a high level at the plate hitting .286 with 15 home runs and 57 RBI. He also swiped 10 bags, delivered 25 extra-base hits, and put together a .911 OPS. Over 15 games in the shortened season this spring, Martin was hitting .271 with 2 HRs and 10 RBI.

Offering high upside with his bat and versatility, Martin will garner some interest from a lot of teams including the Rays’. He could wind up being a great utility man for somebody. While he is not exactly a great defensive player if a team can find the right position for him they may strike gold with Martin.