Blue Jays prospect Orelvis Martinez will get a legitimate opportunity to earn a spot on the 26-man roster this spring and could even push for the starting third base job, per Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. While Ernie Clement is the presumed favorite to open at third, Martinez offers the most upside at the position. The 23-year-old endured a turbulent 2024, missing 80 games due to a PED suspension, but he impressed at Triple-A Buffalo, slashing .267/.346/.523 with 17 homers over 74 games.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez’s best path to the Opening Day roster is in a bench role, backing up second and third base in a short-side platoon. However, if he flashes his power early in the season and proves to be a serviceable defender, he could carve out a starting role. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on his spring performance, as his raw power makes him an intriguing stash candidate.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Orelvis Martinez “still needs to prove he’s playable defensively” as the young infielder moves between second and third base during spring training. Schneider emphasized that Martinez has "a lot of work" to do and that this camp will be key in determining his role.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez’s power potential makes him an intriguing fantasy prospect, but his defensive struggles could limit his playing time. The Blue Jays’ infield is filled with contact-first hitters, giving Martinez a path to a bench role if he can show adequate glove work. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should monitor his spring progress, as his bat could be valuable if he earns regular at-bats.

The Toronto Blue Jays optioned Orelvis Martinez to the Rookie FCL Blue Jays.

Fantasy Impact

The 80-game suspension Martinez was serving ended on Monday. He'll compete for a starting spot in spring training next year.

Orelvis Martinez has been suspended 80 games by MLB for violating the league’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez, who had just made his MLB debut on Friday, tested positive for clomiphene, a performance enhancing substance. He will be suspended for the next 80 games as a result.

Orelvis Martinez is in the starting lineup for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Cleveland Guardians Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Martinez will take the field after being recalled from Triple-A earlier in the week, starting at second base and batting eighth against the Guardians Friday.