Blue Jays Cut Ties with Promising Infield Star Orelvis Martinez

In a surprising move that has left fans buzzing, the Toronto Blue Jays have officially released Orelvis Martinez, their former top infield prospect. This decision came as the team needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster to activate pitcher Alek Manoah from the 60-day injured list.

What Happened to Martinez?

Martinez, who recently faced setbacks with an undisclosed injury while on optional assignment at Triple-A Buffalo, found himself in a precarious position. Injured players cannot be placed on waivers, meaning the Jays had little choice following their decision to designate him for assignment.

Many are questioning why the Jays didn't opt for the MLB 60-day injured list instead, which would have freed up a roster slot while allowing them to retain the young talent, albeit at a cost of around $70,000 for the last two weeks of the season. This choice speaks volumes about how much Martinez's stock has plummeted.

A Rocky Road

At just 23, Martinez has had a tumultuous journey. He made a single appearance in the major leagues last season, going 1-for-3 in his MLB debut. However, his path was marred by an 80-game suspension due to a failed performance-enhancing drug test, which was announced just days after he got called up in June 2024. Following that, he spent the entirety of the last season and this year in Triple-A.

The stats tell a troubling story for Martinez this year, as he’s managed only a .176 batting average, striking out nearly 30% of the time over 394 plate appearances. In stark contrast, last season he boasted a more impressive .267 batting line with 17 home runs in fewer at-bats.

The Future: Could a Return Be Possible?

While the Blue Jays have released Martinez, there’s still a chance they may attempt to bring him back on a minor league contract—a common practice in such scenarios. However, the door to free agency now swings wide open for Martinez, potentially allowing him to seek a fresh start with a new team. With his previous hype as a power-hitting prospect, many will be keeping a close eye to see where he lands next.

As the 2026 season approaches, will a change of scenery be just what Orelvis Martinez needs to ignite his career? The baseball world waits in anticipation.