By Charlie O. Mallonee

Richie Martin is ranked at the fourth best prospect in the Oakland Athletics minor league system. Martin was the A’s first-round selection (number 20 overall) in 2015 out of the University of Florida.

Martin was drafted as a shortstop but most college shortstops wind up playing at some other position as a professional. That will not be the case for Martin. He possesses all of the tools necessary to play shortstop in the big leagues.

Martin has impressive range and speed. He also has that elusive first-step quickness that is needed to play short. Martin has an above average arm that allows him to get rid of the ball quickly. He is also an above average fielder. Think top 10 plays of the night.

As a hitter, Martin is seen as average with below average power. He is at his best when he sprays line drives to the opposite field. Martin is likely to be a number seven to nine in the order hitter.

The key for Martin to make it to the big leagues is not his bat but his defense. His skills at shortstop alone could make him an everyday player in the majors.

Martin is currently assigned to the Stockton Ports of the high Class-A California League. His season got off to a slow start as he injured his knee sliding into a base. Martin missed six weeks due to surgery to repair his left medial meniscus.

Martin has now appeared in 28 games for the Ports and has a .257 batting average, .330 on base percentage and .310 slugging percentage. He has 29 hits in 113 at bats and four steals in eight attempts.

Scouts speculate that Martin will be ready to play in the big leagues in 2018 which then begs the question what do you do with Martin? Marcus Semien has become a double threat by producing with power on offense and showing vastly improved defense. Semien’s emergence may make Martin available as a trade piece.

Teams are always looking for solid defense so Martin could be packaged to help bring the A’s players to fill holes where they see needs at this time. Whether it is as a player or as a trade asset, Richie Martin is an important part of the Oakland Athletics future.