SF Giants select middle infielder out of Eaton High School in 2nd round

The SF Giants have selected two high school prospects in the first two rounds of the draft for the first time since 2017. They went with a two-way star in the first round and added middle infielder Walker Martin out of Eaton High School in Colorado in the second round.

SF Giants select middle infielder out of Eaton High School in 2nd round

There had been whispers of the Giants having a handshake agreement with Martin prior to the draft. That is common practice, but not something you want made public just in case another team wants to get in the way. Luckily, that was not the case with Martin and the Giants.

The Giants used their No. 52 pick to select Martin, which holds a slot value of $1.6 million. The middle infield prospect has a commitment to the University of Arkansas, so it is likely going to take a huge, overslot signing to sway him away from his commitment. That said, it does sound like both parties have an understanding of what the signing bonus will be.

The Giants have a bonus pool allotment of just over $9.9 million. They can exceed that bonus pool allotment by five percent without forfeiting future picks. They would, however, have to pay a 75 percent tax on any overage within that 0 - 5 percent overage range.

The Giants, like many teams, have flirted with that five-percent threshold but not team has gone over it in recent seasons.

Martin hits from the left side and has a swing that generates a lot of line drives, resulting in plenty of extra bases. However, there is room for growth with his 6-foot-2, 188-pound frame that many feel could like to better power numbers down the road.

MLB.Com recognizes that while he has played primarily at shortstop, there is a good chance that he moves to third base:

"An average runner, Martin is athletic enough to probably send out as a shortstop, but he has the chance to become more of a physical beast as he matures. The good news is his offense should profile well at third, where he could be a very solid defender."

MLB.Com

The Giants have added a lot of pitching over the previous two drafts, but this year is leaning in favor of position players in the early going. That said, one of those position players, Bryce Eldridge, also throws in the mid-90's on the mound.