With the twentieth overall pick in the draft, the Athletics have selected shortstop Richie Martin out of the University of Florida. Martin was projected to be a late-first rounder or supplementary pick in recent mock drafts, being tied particularly to the Cardinals and Orioles. He is the sixth shortstop picked in this year's draft.
Martin, an alum of Bloomingdale High School in Florida, was drafted by the Mariners in the 38th round of the 2012 draft but instead decided to attend college in Gainesville. In three seasons with the Gators, Martin hit .284/.378/.367 in 170 games while stealing 45 bases and hitting seven home runs. His rise to the top of draft boards was primarily due to an excellent performance in the Cape Cod League last summer, when he finished second in the league with a .364 average.
Martin is the 34th best prospect in this year's draft, according to MLB.com, which cites his speed and ability to stay at shortstop in the future as two of his most positive indicators for the pros. Though his offense has constantly evolved due to a more aggressive plate approach, his defense has been solid due to his above-average range and speed.
Martin may be able to reach the majors quickly, providing a potential long-term middle infield option with Marcus Semien, Eric Sogard and prospects Franklin Barreto and Yairo Munoz also in the mix. The team does not have a clear second baseman of the future at the moment, so Martin may switch over at some point in his pro career.