From Newsweek · Jon Paul Hoornstra · · 1m 20s
Rudy Martin Jr. finally gets his call
A 25th-round pick from 2014 reached the majors at 30, and a $6.8 million outfielder paid for it.
In brief
A 25th-round pick from 2014 reached the majors at 30, and a $6.8 million outfielder paid for it. Toronto chose roster fit over sunk cost: a lefty-heavy outfield made Sanchez expendable and a 30-year-old rookie worth the spot. Originally reported by Newsweek.
Twelve years to the call
Rudy Martin Jr. was drafted in the 25th round by Kansas City in 2014. Toronto selected his contract from Triple-A Buffalo on Friday, Sept. 11, opening the door to his debut at 30.
“the road to the major leagues was long and the timing unexpected”
Out of baseball entirely
Eight seasons in the Royals' system never produced a promotion, and he spent 2023-24 outside affiliated ball.
“Martin, 30, is the opposite of a top prospect.”
Mexico, the DR, indy ball
A three-year tour through Mexico, the Dominican Republic, independent leagues and three organizations ended with a July waiver claim by Toronto.
The numbers that earned it
He hit .274 with a .394 on-base percentage across two farm systems in 2026: 11 homers, 55 walks, 45 steals in 369 at-bats. Buffalo had just activated him off the IL on Sept. 8.
Sanchez is the casualty
Toronto designated Jesus Sanchez for assignment, eating the $6.8 million deal he signed with Houston before the trade. He hit .260 with eight homers in 99 games.
Too many left-handed bats
Sanchez hit righties well.276/.333/.448, but Toronto was stacked with left-handed outfielders. At 73-74 and chasing a wild card, they liked Martin's fit better.
“Ostensibly they felt better about their chances with Martin, despite his lack of big-league experience.”
The big picture
Toronto chose roster fit over sunk cost: a lefty-heavy outfield made Sanchez expendable and a 30-year-old rookie worth the spot.
