Athletics Draft UCLA Third Baseman Roman Martin with No. 111 Pick in 2026 MLB Draft

The Athletics continued adding infield talent during the 2026 MLB Draft by selecting UCLA third baseman Roman Martin with the 111th overall pick in the fourth round.

Martin becomes the fourth Bruins player selected this year, joining shortstop Roch Cholowsky, infielder Mulivai Levu, and right-handed pitcher Logan Reddemann. The selection gives the Athletics another polished collegiate infielder with strong defensive tools and a proven ability to reach base.

Athletics Add Another Versatile Infielder

Martin projects as one of the safer position-player selections in the middle rounds thanks to his defensive versatility and advanced offensive approach.

Although he spent much of his UCLA career at third base, many evaluators believe Martin has the athleticism and defensive instincts to handle shortstop. His path there was simply blocked by superstar teammate Roch Cholowsky, one of the premier prospects in this year’s draft.

That versatility gives the Athletics multiple options as Martin begins his professional development.

Roman Martin’s UCLA Career

Martin quietly developed into one of the Pac-12’s most consistent infielders during his three seasons with the Bruins.

His junior campaign included:

• .333 batting average
• .446 on-base percentage
• Career-high nine home runs

Across 159 career games at UCLA, Martin produced:

• 21 home runs
• 41 doubles
• Excellent on-base skills
• Strong defensive reputation

While he doesn’t possess the same power profile as some of UCLA’s other infield stars, Martin consistently makes quality contact, controls the strike zone, and provides dependable defense.

Defense Could Fast-Track His Development

Martin’s glove may ultimately be his biggest asset as he climbs through the Athletics’ farm system.

Scouts view him as an above-average defender capable of handling multiple infield positions, giving the organization flexibility as he develops offensively.

Players who combine reliable defense with strong on-base skills often move quickly through the minor leagues, especially in organizations that value versatility.

How Martin Fits the Athletics’ Future

The Athletics continue building one of baseball’s deeper collections of young infield talent.

Martin joins an organization that already features promising young players including:

• Jacob Wilson
• Max Muncy
• Nick Kurtz
• Zach Gelof

His ability to play multiple infield positions could prove valuable as the Athletics continue shaping their long-term roster.

Whether the franchise ultimately remains in Sacramento for another season or completes its planned move to Las Vegas, Martin projects as another high-floor prospect capable of contributing at the major league level.

Fourth UCLA Player Selected

Martin’s selection continues an impressive draft for UCLA’s program.

He becomes the fourth Bruin drafted in 2026, joining:

• Roch Cholowsky
• Mulivai Levu
• Logan Reddemann

The strong showing highlights UCLA’s continued ability to develop MLB-ready talent, particularly on the infield.

Outlook

While Roman Martin may not have entered the draft with the same national attention as some of UCLA’s higher-profile prospects, the Athletics may have landed one of the better value picks of the fourth round.

His combination of defensive reliability, positional flexibility, disciplined approach at the plate, and consistent production gives him a solid foundation to develop into a future major league infielder. If his bat continues to progress in professional baseball, Martin has every opportunity to work his way into the Athletics’ long-term plans.