Former Blue Jays top prospect gets Spring Training invite

The infielder and one-time top prospect who was picked up by the Washington Nationals following his release from the Toronto Blue Jays in September has secured an invitation to Spring Training in 2026.

At one point Martinez was considered the second baseman of the future for the Blue Jays. While, there were concerns about his subpar defence, his raw power was unparalleled for a player at his position.

However, an 80 game suspension for Clomiphene just one game into his major career in 2024 derailed his progress. After starting 2025 in the minor leagues he regressed somewhat, hitting just 176/.288/.348 with 13 home runs in 99 games. With the season nearing it's end, the Blue Jays cut him loose.

He was picked up the Nationals just over a week later and signed to a minor league contract.

Martinez, who received a Spring invite along with pitchers Tyler Baum and Eddy Yean, will now have a chance to resurrect his career in the nation's capital.

Martinez would have been out of options in entering 2026 which is why the Blue Jays decided to cut him loose. While his minor league deal with the Nats runs through next season, if he ends up getting added to the 40-man at any point during the season, Washington would then need to pass him through waivers before sending him back down.

Given that the Nationals are still in somewhat of a re-build, Martinez should be in good spot to compete for bench job/backup infielder role.