Andy Martín is an under-the-radar prospect and diamond in the rough. After hitting .297 in two years in the Futures Collegiate League (FCBL) the talented outfielder was not taken in the 2022 MLB draft. Martín was taken in the 2019 draft by the Kansas City Royals, but opted to go to college.
The speedster also played college ball at Dyersburg State Community College of the JUCO circuit, where he hit .307 in two seasons. During his time in the TCCAA (Tennessee Community College Athletic Association) he also slugged 24 homeruns, knocked in 97 runs and also stole 24 bases.
This summer he was one of the headliners for FEPCUBE and drew raves from the team’s manager Brayan Peña at various showcases with the federation. Martín has baseball in his genes, he is the brother of ex-big leaguer Leonys Martín and a star for the Cuban National Team. His father Oscar also played the game on the island.
Andy Martín, a member of @fepcube talks to us about his winter in the Colombian League and the possibility of him playing in Asia this summer. #Cubanbaseballdigest #FEPCUBE pic.twitter.com/wjnoT6lBcD
— Cuban Baseball Digest (@CBaseballDigest) April 26, 2024
You had a stellar college career, yet you did not get drafted. Did that disappoint you?
No, I’m grateful for my college career and I learned a lot in the process. I think it was good for me and it taught me a lot. Now I’m ready to move forward to the next step. I believe this process was good for me and I repeat I’m not disappointed about it in any way.
You had your first professional experience in Colombia this winter, what did you learn from that?
It was another good experience for me because I saw a lot of older players that have been in the league. I learned a lot on how to be a professional and follow a routine. It was really good for me to be there and watch those guys do a job.
How have you stayed in shape this offseason?
It’s been hard, but I try to eat the right things and workout. My dad has been with my all the time making sure I eat the right things and continue to work.
Your brother was a big leaguer and your father is a top notch instructor, what advice have they given you?
I mean I’m grateful and I’m lucky to have a brother who played in the league for a long time and a dad played in Cuba when he was younger. They have advised me to be patient and take it day by day. That also told me to trust the work I have put in.
Alright I hear rumors that Asia is interested in signing you. What do you have to say about that?
Yeah there are some rumors out there, but right now I’m focused on what I have to do and what I can control. I’m convinced good things will happen. But yeah there is something going on, you’ll see in the near future, maybe in a few days or a few weeks.