Colorado Rockies: Finding under-the-radar free agent hitters

Sep 20, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Mark Canha (20) during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder Mark Canha (20) during the eighth inning against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 25, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Jason Martin (50) celebrates his two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Jason Martin (50) celebrates his two-run home run in the sixth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Martin, OF, 26 years old on Opening Day

Another player formerly with the Rangers, it’s clear that new GM Chris Young is eagerly clearing roster space in preparation for a busy offseason.

Could the Texas Rangers’ mentality help the Colorado Rockies?

Signed by Texas as a minor league free agent last year, Martin busted down the door in AAA after posting an OPS of .930, headlined by a 17.4 walk percentage.

The former eighth-round pick went on to hit six home runs with the Rangers in 58 games. That’s not a bad pace for a part-time player.

Unfortunately, Martin’s walk rate did not translate to the big leagues, although that’s not uncommon for a player trying to aggressively prove himself. His OBP ended up sitting at just .248.

Martin would not be a flashy addition. However, between a little power potential, promising approach, better than average speed, and the ability to man center field, the still-young Martin has some tools to work with.

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