Blue Jays Claim Rudy Martin Jr. - MLB Trade Rumors
The Toronto Blue Jays have officially claimed outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. off waivers. This move was announced after reports indicated the team’s interest. To accommodate Martin Jr. on the 40-man roster, Addison Barger has been moved to the 60-day injured list. Martin Jr. has been optioned to Triple-A Buffalo.
Martin Jr., who is 30 years old, has not yet made his major league debut. He secured a spot on a 40-man roster only recently. His journey this year began with the Royals on a minor league contract. An upward mobility clause in that agreement led to his trade to the Orioles last week. The Orioles then sent him to Triple-A Norfolk before designating him for assignment, reportedly hoping he would clear waivers to remain as non-roster depth. However, the Blue Jays intervened to claim him.
Martin Jr.’s Professional Journey
Martin Jr.’s professional career began over a decade ago when he was selected by the Royals in the 25th round of the 2014 draft. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues and was out of affiliated baseball after the 2022 season. During 2023 and 2024, he played for independent league teams and also spent time in the Mexican League before rejoining the Royals.
His performance at the plate this season appears to have brought him to wider attention. Splitting his time between Double-A and Triple-A, he has accumulated 255 plate appearances. His strikeout rate is around 23.5%, while his walk rate is 16.1%. While he does not possess significant power, having hit eight home runs this year, which is close to his career high, he hit 11 in the minors in 2021 and 12 in independent league play in 2022.
He has a combined slash line of .284/.414/.441 and a 127 wRC+ for the year. This offensive production has been aided by a .368 batting average on balls in play. Beyond his offensive contributions, Martin Jr. is noted for his speed on the bases. He typically steals around 30 bases annually, reaching 39 last year and already having 33 this season.
Impact on the Blue Jays Roster
The Blue Jays effectively had an open roster spot, as Barger has been sidelined for over 60 days and is not expected to return soon. Martin Jr. has a full slate of options, allowing him to be kept in Triple-A. He is expected to provide speed to the organization. Any sustained offensive performance from him would be an additional benefit.
The Blue Jays’ current outfield options include Daulton Varsho, Nathan Lukes, Yohendrick Piñango, George Springer, Myles Straw, and Davis Schneider. Additionally, Jesús Sánchez and Jonatan Clase are currently on the injured list. The team’s recent performance in the standings suggests they may be in a selling position as the trade deadline approaches.
Varsho and Springer are impending free agents and could be considered for trades, though Springer has 10-and-5 rights. Straw’s contract includes a club option for next year that is not likely to be exercised, making him another potential trade candidate. Sánchez could be retained for 2027 through arbitration but is also a non-tender candidate and may be available. These potential roster changes could open up opportunities for Martin Jr. to make his major league debut in the near future.
The Orioles had acquired Martin Jr. from the Royals in a trade that was officially announced. This transaction involved a corresponding 40-man roster move, with Chris Bassitt being moved to the 60-day injured list. Bassitt has been out since June 5 due to a back injury that required minor surgery. Manager Craig Albernaz stated that Bassitt is currently throwing long toss, and the Orioles anticipate his return this season, though he has not yet begun a rehab assignment and was not expected to be ready before the end of July.
The Royals traded Martin Jr. to the Orioles, who then selected him onto their 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk. Such trades typically involve a nominal cash consideration. Martin Jr.’s contract with the Royals included an upward mobility clause, which he triggered. This meant the Royals had to offer him to the other 29 teams, any of whom could add him to their 40-man roster. Kansas City then had the option to either place him on their own 40-man roster or send him to Baltimore.
Martin Jr. spent most of the season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, where he performed well, and his performance improved further after his promotion to Triple-A in late June. His strong production earned him his first spot on a 40-man roster. The Orioles’ outfield options on their MLB roster include Taylor Ward, Dylan Beavers, Colton Cowser, Leody Taveras, Tyler O’Neill, and utility player Jeremiah Jackson. Additionally, Heston Kjerstad, Reed Trimble, and Johnathan Rodríguez are on optional assignments to Norfolk. The Orioles frequently adjust the final spots on their 40-man roster.
Source: mlbtraderumors.com
