Yankees’ rookie Martin takes top honors in Fall League home run derby
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Follow UsYankees prospect Garrett Martin added a new chapter to the franchise’s storied power-hitting history by winning the 2024 Arizona Fall League Home Run Derby in dramatic fashion Friday night at Sloan Park.
Martin’s entry into the Derby came at the request of teammate and defending champion Kala’i Rosario, the Twins’ No. 19 prospect. Rosario, also playing for the Salt River Rafters, reportedly agreed to return for the Derby only if the Yankees rookie joined him, inspired by their regular pre-game home run contests throughout the fall.
In the final showdown, Martin faced Brewers’ No. 8 prospect Brock Wilken, who went first in the championship round. Down by five home runs with just 47 seconds left, the Yankees prospect took a timeout to refocus—a break that paid off. He launched back-to-back homers immediately after the pause, then unleashed a powerful rally that saw him hit 10 home runs within the 90-second window, clinching the title.
It’s all about power for Yankees rookie Martin
Martin’s approach was all about power, aiming to clear the fence with each swing. The Yankees rookie’s clutch performance in the Derby’s final moments brought to mind some of baseball’s most thrilling power displays, including Josh Hamilton’s memorable 2008 MLB Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, although Hamilton fell just short of winning. Wilken’s efforts mirrored Hamilton’s with an impressive showing, even as Martin ultimately took the title.
For Yankees fans, Martin’s victory is a continuation of the team’s recent trend of developing standout power hitters, offering a promising glimpse into the future lineup in the Bronx.
The night’s Derby kicked off with Brewers prospect Brock Wilken delivering a record-setting performance, hitting 14 home runs in a single round to establish a new high over the past three years. The 2023 first-round draft pick, inspired by the recent birth of his son, Caden Knox, tallied a remarkable 33 home runs across both preliminary and championship rounds. Adding a personal touch to his effort, Wilken’s father, Josh, served as his pitcher, bringing a memorable family element to the competition.
Between rounds, Wilken spent time with his infant son, attributing his performance to the good luck Caden’s presence brought him. For Wilken, having his family in the stands made the night even more meaningful.
Garrett Martin’s journey to the Derby was anything but conventional. Drafted by the Orioles in the 22nd round in 2018 out of high school in Colorado, Martin chose to attend college instead, eventually playing at multiple schools, including Oklahoma State, McLennan Community College, and Austin Peay State. Though he participated in the MLB Draft League, Martin went undrafted until he signed as a free agent with the Yankees in 2023.
The matchup between Wilken, a polished first-round pick, and Martin, who navigated a winding road to the pros, underscored two very different paths to success. It provided a unique narrative to their showdown, showcasing the varied routes players can take to make their mark in baseball.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, Yankees prospect Garrett Martin has shown impressive power in his first pro season, recording 14 home runs with High-A Hudson Valley and adding four more in the Fall League with Salt River. These numbers hint at his power potential as he builds momentum in his journey toward a notable prospect status for 2025 and beyond.
Martin expressed gratitude for his time in the Fall League and for the chance to compete in the Home Run Derby, viewing both as important steps in his development.
Despite chilly temperatures in the 50s, the Derby intensity remained high, with participants smashing a total of 116 home runs, creating a memorable night for fans, especially the young ones eagerly gathering souvenirs in both outfield berms.
The preliminary round brought mixed results, showcasing talent from across the league:
- Twins prospect Kala’i Rosario (No. 19) led with 15 home runs.
- Royals’ top prospect Jac Caglianone hit 14.
- Cubs’ No. 4 prospect Moises Ballesteros and Blue Jays’ Peyton Williams tallied 8 each.
- Royals’ No. 5 prospect Carter Jensen hit 7.
- Tigers’ No. 9 prospect Josue Briceño recorded 5.
The totals reflect combined scores across all preliminary rounds, highlighting each competitor’s effort and making for an exciting night for the Fall League faithful.
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Martin is a RHB. The Yankees have not been drafting RHB the last few years, but instead those have come via the IFA way. Will his play in the AFL lead him to some time in MLB Spring Camp, and start the 2025 In Double-A. But I do not know which OF spot he plays best. But good to know he can play CF in a pinch.