Blue Jays Russell Martin: Power Surge North of the Border
By Brad Kelly
Russell Martin is currently on a three-month tear at plate for the Blue Jays. Fantasy owners need to swoop in and add him for the home stretch.
The Toronto Blue Jays have a plethora of offensive weapons at their disposal, but it seems as though Russell Martin‘s performance since June is underappreciated. Not only has Martin been one of the best fantasy catchers over that span, but thanks to a recent power surge, he has blossomed into one of best overall fantasy contributors.
Martin is a household name, having been fantasy relevant since 2007. While his career has had its ups and downs, over the last handful of seasons he has been consistent for double-digit homers. While his AVG is never predictable, fantasy owners have banked on Martin being one of those prime options for those who wait to draft catchers.
The odd part to Martin’s 2016 season though, was that he was absolutely dreadful for the first two months. He batted .150 in April, and followed that with a .230/3 HR/10 RBI line in May. Fantasy owners clearly had to cut bait and move on, making Martin a fantasy afterthought. But, once the calendar hit June, Martin looked like a whole new guy, and began to hit the ball with authority.
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Over the last three months Russell Martin has posted a .282/12 HR/45 RBI/.905 OPS line. Eight of those homers have come in August. Thanks to his recent surge, his stock has skyrocketed and he has become a popular waiver option. It is amazing to see him still available in a number of leagues, opening the door for astute fantasy owners.
Besides his hot streak, adding Martin serves as a quality investment in one of the most high-powered offenses in the league. With Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion mashing, and now with Jose Bautista back in the fold, the counting stat opportunities are abundant. Add the fact that most of his remaining games are within the division, he will hit in a plethora of hitter’s paradise, further increasing his power potential.
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Russell Martin has rebounded nicely from a terrible start, and has rewarded fantasy owners that jumped on him early during his turnaround. Fantasy owners should add him ASAP if he has slipped through the cracks and is still on the wire. Make the move and add those that are heating right in time for the fantasy playoff stretch.