Kyle Martin (minors03)

Kyle Jared Martin

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 1", Weight 215 lb.
• School University of South Carolina
• High School Wade Hampton High School
• Born November 13, 1992 in Greenville, SC USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

First baseman Kyle Martin began his professional career in 2015.

At the University of South Carolina, he'd slashed .329/.406/.494 in 193 games; he'd been a Baseball America All-American in 2015 and he participated in the 2015 Premier 12 (he was 2-for-16 with a double, run and 3 RBI, splitting 1B with Matt McBride). He was originally taken by the Los Angeles Angels in the 20th round of the 2014 amateur draft, one pick ahead of pitcher JB Bukauskas, but opted not to sign. He did sign after being taken by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 4th round of the 2015 amateur draft, a few picks ahead of pitcher Cody Poteet; He was signed by scout Aaron Jersild and his signing bonus was $200,000.

Martin played in the Phillies system from 2015 to 2018, peaking at Double-A. Perhaps his best campaign was 2016, when he hit .250/.324/.433 with 19 home runs and 82 RBI in 121 games for the Clearwater Threshers; he was a Florida State League Post-Season All-Star that season. The next year, he had 22 dingers, but his average fell to .193.

Beginning in 2019, he played for the independent Winnipeg Goldeyes of the American Association, with whom he'd remain through 2021. After seasons of 14 and 16 homers in 2019 and 2020, respectively (he also slashed .301/.370/.566 in 2020), he broke out with 31 home runs, 106 RBI and a .280/.371/.609 line in 99 games. After a season in the Mexican Pacific Winter League (2021-22) in which he slugged 17 home runs for the Mayos de Navojoa and a stint in the Mexican League in which he hit .364/.480/.884 with 18 home runs, 47 RBI and 40 runs scored in 39 games for the Guerreros de Oaxaca, he was signed by the San Diego Padres to finish out the 2022 campaign. They assigned him to their Triple-A club, the El Paso Chihuahuas, with whom he hit .257/.352/.529 with 17 home runs and 46 RBI in 79 games. Despite his performance, he elected free agency following the season and re-signed with Oaxaca for 2023. In 86 games, he slugged .563 with 20 home runs and 75 RBI. He began 2024 with Oaxaca and was named to the Mid-Season All-Star team.

Through May 2024, he has over 200 career home runs at all professional levels.