Blue Jays select Brayden Martin 342nd overall in 2026 MLB Draft

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Jul 12, 2026, 16:15 EDTUpdated: Jul 12, 2026, 16:20 EDT

Once again, the Toronto Blue Jays have drafted a collegiate infielder with a hit-over-power profile.

After an hour break, the Blue Jays used the 342nd overall selection to draft shortstop Brayden Martin, a college junior who attended the University of Maryland for the past three seasons.

The 2026 season was Martin’s best with the Terrapins, slashing .352/.448/.449 in 286 plate appearances. While there was very little in the way of power, going deep just twice, he managed to hit 13 doubles and walk more (19.6 BB%) than he struck out (7 K%). On top of walking a boat load without striking out, Martin stole 21 bags in 24 attempts, showcasing solid speed.

His numbers, aside from the home run total, improved from 2025. That season saw him slash .319/.478/.371 with just five doubles in 279 plate appearances, with a 21.1 BB% and 8.6 K% for a 120 wRC+. Though he struggled to hit for over-the-fence power, Martin was hitting for more doubles power this season.

Martin is a common prospect that the Blue Jays target, either by trade or at the draft. The 20-year-old left-handed batter is unranked according to MLB Pipeline, but he does have a little bio noting that “model-based teams might have an interest”, hence why the Jays selected him.

Moreover, Fangraphs have a brief scouting report on him, noting his low bat-speed with the ability to put the bat on the ball and shoot it to all fields. They give him a 35 grade for present value hit tool, but a future value of 70. Fangraphs also graded him at plus speed, with a likely defensive home at second base.

The slot value of picks in rounds 11 through 20 is $150,000. Any bonus up to that point doesn’t count toward the bonus pool, but if the signing bonus goes above it, the difference is taken away from the pool. It’s likely that Martin will sign below the slot value of this pick.