Gabriel Martinez just made a catch of the year candidate. It was so good that the Akron RubberDucks' PA announcer acknowledged it.
WATCH: Blue Jays prospect Gabriel Martinez makes potential catch of the year
Aug 21, 2025, 12:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 24, 2025, 17:50 EDT
A lot went right on the Toronto Blue Jays farm on Wednesday, as all five games resulted in a win.
During the New Hampshire Fisher Cats’ game against the Akron RubberDucks, the Blue Jays’ Double-A team had a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth thanks to a one-run double from Je’Von Ward, a two-run home run from Charles McAdoo, and a two-run double from Jackson Hornung.
Leading off the bottom of the fourth for the RubberDucks was Angel Genano. It looked as if he was going to hit a double to kick-start a big inning for the home team, but former top-10 Blue Jays’ prospect Gabriel Martinez had other plans.
Martinez was chasing the ball with his back to home plate in one of the deepest parts of the ballpark with a wall to contend with, but that didn’t stop him from leaping up and making a basket catch before slamming into the wall. Somehow, the 23-year-old outfielder held on to the ball for a candidate for catch of the year.
It was so good that the RubberDucks’ PA Announcer even addressed the play, hilariously saying, “Nice catch, please never do it again.” Jim Clark, who was calling play-by-play at the time on the RubberDucks’ broadcast, also seemed surprised that Martinez was able to catch the ball.
The flowers continued to roll in for Martinez. After the game, Platinum Glove winner and Blue Jays’ special assistant, Kevin Kiermaier, Tweeted for the first time since he won the World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, noting that this was a top 15 play he saw in person. That’s high praise from one of the best defenders of this generation.
Didnt think id ever tweet again. This catch was top 15 play I have ever witnessed in person! No way this is not #1 top play on SportsCenter tomorrow!! Incrèible!!!
Gabriel Martinez just made a catch of the year candidate. It was so good that the Akron RubberDucks' PA announcer acknowledged it.
Thanks to a strong 2022, where he slashed .293/.355/.477 with 14 home runs in 389 plate appearances, Martinez quickly skyrocketed up the Blue Jays’ top prospect list. However, he’s struggled to find that same success the past three seasons, and is slashing .228/.311/.325 with two home runs in 268 plate appearances this season.
Despite a tough year with the bat, Martinez will always have one of the best catches in recent times. Hopefully, the bat can follow suit.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.