# 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.
- Title: Rudy Martin Jr. finally gets his call · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: mlb, blue jays, roster moves, minor leagues, rudy martin jr, Rudy, Martin, finally, gets, call, Newsweek
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/sports/mlb/blue-jays-rudy-martin-jr-jesus-sanchez-12433828
- Author: Jon Paul Hoornstra
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mlb, blue jays, roster moves, minor leagues, rudy martin jr
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Toronto chose roster fit over sunk cost: a lefty-heavy outfield made Sanchez expendable and a 30-year-old rookie worth the spot.