Kyle Martin is hoping to be a first day MLB draftee

Where would this Gamecock baseball team have been without Kyle Martin? After choosing to come back for his senior season, despite a 20th round selection in the 2014 MLB Draft, Martin showed the scouts exactly what the scouts wanted to boost his stock. While in his junior season he finished with a respectable 5 homeruns and 38 RBI's to go along with a .336/.389/.443 slash line, Martin not only tripled his homerun total with 14 and increased his RBI count to 56, but he also managed to increase his slash line totals finishing with a jaw dropping .350/.455/.635. Usually when a big powerful hitter starts swinging for the fences more, there is a trade off as the batting average and OBP drops. However, this was clearly not the case with Martin. It is clear after earning 1st team All-SEC and 2nd team All-American honors that, despite Carolina having a rather embarrassing year, he has the respect of national analysts.

In his senior year, Martin proved that he is not just a hitter that bats for average, but there is a lot of pop in his bat as well. However, what makes me think he will translate well to the pros is his glovework over at 1st base. Time and time again this season, Martin dug balls out of the dirt, showed his quick hands and feet at the corner, and also showed adequate to above average arm strength.

Projection: I would look for Martin to go anywhere from the 5th to the 15th rounds. But I would be very surprised if he is not a first day draft selection. Martin has some considerable upside. With his floor probably being a AAA regular and his ceiling being an everyday starter in the Major Leagues one day.