Toronto Blue Jays prospect Austin Martin will represent the American League in All-Star Futures Game at Coors Field in Denver next month.
Martin is the No. 16 prospect on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 and the Blue Jays' No. 2 prospect behind right-hander Nate Pearson.
Other top MLB prospects include former first-overall picks Adley Rutschman of the Orioles and Spencer Torkelson of the Tigers, as well as Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. and Mariners prospect Jarred Kelenic.
Martin was a first-round pick, fifth overall, by the Blue Jays in 2020. He's split time between shortstop and centrefield with double-A New Hampshire this season, his first as a pro, hitting .275/.391/.394 with two home runs and four stolen bases.
“Austin’s a special talent,” Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah said during spring training. “He’s a really good ballplayer and he’s a really good mental player, as well. His instincts are well above average. In the box, there are a lot of times he won’t swing at a pitch that I’m like, I got him on this. And then there are a lot of times, where I do get him. We have a great time facing off against each other. Just being able to get at it against each other has been a blast.”
The 2021 All-Star Futures Game will pit the best prospects from both leagues against each other in a seven-inning contest. The game will take place in the afternoon on July 11 and be followed by the MLB All-Star Game later that night.