The Toronto Blue Jays have added another left-handed batting outfielder to their 40-man roster. On Thursday afternoon, 7News’ Ari Alexander reported that the Blue Jays have claimed Rudy Martin Jr. off waivers after he was designated for assignment by the Baltimore Orioles.
This is Martin Jr.’s third team in under a week. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 25th round all the way back in 2014, the 30-year-old has yet to make his big league debut. His first stint with the Royals concluded following the 2021 season, and he spent the 2022 season in the Washington Nationals system.
The next two seasons saw Martin Jr. play independent ball, as well as a stint for the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League. Early into the 2025 season, the Royals signed him to a minor league deal, where he slashed .271/.356/.405 with six home runs in 312 plate appearances between Double-A and Triple-A.
This season, Martin Jr. is slashing .284/.414/.441 with eight home runs in 255 plate appearances, 207 of which was with the Royals’ Double-A team. Last Friday, the Royals shipped him to the Orioles, with the American League East team adding him to their 40-man roster. However, Martin Jr. was designated for assignment just three days later.
With a full 40-man roster, a corresponding move will need to be made to get Martin Jr. on it. Barring a player getting DFA’d, the most likely move will be Addison Barger being added to the 60-day injured list. Lenyn Sosa, who is also currently on the 10-day injured list, is another candidate to be moved to the 60-day IL. Martin Jr. has option years, meaning he can be sent to the Buffalo Bisons without needing to be placed on waivers. If the Blue Jays continue to struggle heading into August, he may end up getting a look, but hey, taking a chance on Nathan Lukes and Ernie Clement panned out for the Blue Jays.
