Kyle Martin (first baseman)

Kyle Martin
Martin with the Clearwater Threshers in 2016
Guerreros de Oaxaca – No. 33
First baseman
Born: (1992-11-13) November 13, 1992 (age 32)
Greenville, South Carolina, U.S.
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  United States
WBSC Premier12
Silver medal – second place 2015 Tokyo Team

Kyle J. Martin (born November 13, 1992) is an American professional baseball first baseman for the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fourth round of the 2015 Major League Baseball draft, and played in the 2015 WBSC Premier12.

Career

Amateur career

Martin attended Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina.[1] He enrolled at the University of South Carolina and played college baseball for the South Carolina Gamecocks.[2] The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim selected Martin in the 20th round of the 2014 MLB draft,[3] but he did not sign with the Angels, opting to return to South Carolina for his senior year.[4] As a senior, Louisville Slugger named Martin a Second Team All-American.[5]

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies selected Martin in the fourth round of the 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft,[6][7] and he signed with the Phillies.[8] After signing, he was assigned to the Lakewood BlueClaws where he posted a .279 batting average with five home runs and 37 RBIs.

In 2016, Martin played for the Clearwater Threshers where he batted .250 with 19 home runs and 82 RBIs. In 2017, he played with the Reading Fightin Phils[9] where he batted .193 with 22 home runs and 68 RBIs.[10] In 2018, with the Reading Fightin Phils and the Clearwater Threshers, he batted .198 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs. Martin was released from the Phillies organization on May 28, 2019.[citation needed]

Winnipeg Goldeyes

On June 5, 2019, Martin signed with the Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. On January 28, 2020, Martin re-signed with Winnipeg. He led the league in RBIs with 51, while also belting 16 home runs in 60 games. He was named an American Association All-Star for the 2020 season.[11]

On January 20, 2021, Martin again re-signed with the Goldeyes.[12] He repeated as the league leader in RBIs with 106 and second in home runs with 31, which were both single-season franchise records for Winnipeg. He also earned a second-consecutive All-Star selection.[13]

Guerreros de Oaxaca

On December 20, 2021, Martin's contract was purchased by the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League.[14] In 39 games, he batted .364/.480/.884 with a league-leading 18 home runs and 47 RBIs. Martin also led all of professional baseball with a 1.365 OPS prior to his departure from the team.[15]

San Diego Padres

On June 8, 2022, the San Diego Padres signed Martin to a minor league contract and assigned him to the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.[16] He played in 79 games for El Paso, hitting .257/.352/.529 with 17 home runs and 46 RBI. Martin elected free agency following the season on November 10.[17]

Guerreros de Oaxaca (second stint)

On March 28, 2023, Martin re-signed with the Guerreros de Oaxaca of the Mexican League.[18] In 86 games for the team, he batted .258/.363/.563 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI.[19]

References

  1. ^ "Despite USC's struggles, Kyle Martin is happy with his senior season". Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  2. ^ [email protected], MATT CONNOLLY. "Martin makes most of opportunity for Gamecocks". Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  3. ^ "USC's Kyle Martin enters SEC Tournament as one of the league's best". May 18, 2015. Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  4. ^ Wood, Ryan (June 11, 2014). "Gamecocks' Kyle Martin puts pro dream on hold for one more shot at CWS". Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  5. ^ "USC's Kyle Martin named second team All-American". Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  6. ^ "USC's Kyle Martin drafted by Phillies". Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  7. ^ "Gamecocks' Kyle Martin fulfills dream, ready to play for favorite team Phillies". June 10, 2015.
  8. ^ "Kyle Martin not looking back after returning to USC for final year". Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  9. ^ Housenick, Tom. "Reading Fightins first baseman Kyle Martin looks to continue progression with family watching". Retrieved April 24, 2017.
  10. ^ "Kyle Martin Stats, Highlights, Bio - MiLB.com Stats - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  11. ^ "All-Star Kyle Martin Returns to Goldeyes for 2021". Minor League Sports Report. January 20, 2021.
  12. ^ "Minor MLB Transactions: 1/20/2021". January 21, 2021.
  13. ^ "HISTORIC SEASON EARNS MARTIN INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITY". goldeyes.com. December 20, 2021.
  14. ^ American Association Transactions
  15. ^ "Padres add Mexican League leader in HR's, Slugging, OPS". eastvillagetimes.com. June 8, 2022.
  16. ^ "Padres Sign Kyle Martin to Minor League Deal". June 8, 2022.
  17. ^ "2022-23 Minor League Free Agents For All 30 MLB Teams". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  18. ^ "Guerreros: Kyle Martin está de regreso".
  19. ^ "Guerreros: Kyle Martin por su tercera temporada con Oaxaca". milb.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.