Astros Draft Prospect Profile: Corbin Martin, RHP, Texas A&M
Every draft there is a number of players that have the potential to be a professional baseball player, even if the numbers don’t support that claim. By profiling them, we get a feel for players who could gauge some interest by the Astros in June’s First Year Player Draft. This year a local pitcher from Texas A&M University named Corbin Martin has the tangibles to be a successful pitcher in professional baseball.
Martin is a RHP from Cypress, Texas. He attended Cy Ranch and played baseball as a two way player. As a pitcher, he won All-State and District MVP honors, as well as being named an Under Armour All-American in 2013.
College Stats:
As a Freshman at Texas A&M, Martin worked exclusively out of the bullpen in 14 games. Martin logged a 2.95 ERA and a 2-0 record in 18.1 innings pitched, averaging 5.89 BB/9 and also racking up 21 Ks. As a Sophomore, the numbers didn’t get better. Martin suffered through a rough year pitching mostly out of the pen, but also starting 3 games, producing a less-than-stellar 5.47 ERA with a 2-1 record and 33 Ks in 26 innings. His command got worse in 2016, averaging 7.18 BB/9 and a WHIP of 1.90.
So far in his Junior year, Martin has been tasked with pitching more innings than the previous 2, and has a career low in BB. His ERA has lowered by roughly 1.5 points. He’s pitched in over 40 innings (with 50 K), essentially doubling the innings from his freshman and sophomore campaigns combined.
Repertoire:
Martin is one of the rawest talents in this draft. He has dominated in the Cape Cod and Alaskan Leagues in last two summers, putting on display the shear talent he possesses. With a fastball that regularly clocks in at 95-96, touching 98, he was able to over match hitters in the summer, but control issues derailed his first two college seasons. His curveball is a nasty offering, and given his usage out of the pen it is intriguing to hear he has a solid feel for his changeup, allowing himself to be successful with 3 pitches. Some scouts have noted his changeup as his second best pitch.
Draft Round:
It is difficult to project Martin in the draft. On one end, he has great stuff, a high powered fastball and has had a solid season. On the other, he has struggled with command and has a career walk rate of 5.7 BB/9. In March Baseball America had him ranked #87 in their top 100 draft prospects. He could end up a power reliever, which still has value. So let’s go with Rounds 2-4.
MLB Comp: Shelby Miller
Given his size (6’3″, 200 lbs), repertoire (power fastball, curve, change) and delivery. I think a solid MLB comp for Martin is current Diamondbacks pitcher, Shelby Miller.
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**Photo Credit: Getty Images**
