Gators IF John Martinez enters transfer portal
Backup Florida Gators freshman infielder John Martinez has entered the NCAA transfer portal, Gators Online has learned.
Martinez, a freshman from Montverde Academy (Fla.), came to Florida after a stellar prep career, but did not play in any games this season and was redshirted.
Martinez is a talented young player who was just behind other older options the Gators had. Florida started Dale Thomas at third base until he struggled, then slid Tyler Shelnut, who started most of the season in left field but is a corner infielder by trade, to third.
Martinez has a lot of power potential and plays a good third base. He’ll should land at another Power 5 program and will have four years of eligibility at his new school.
John Martinez high school stats
- As a senior, slashed .379/.529/.469 over 24 games.
- Struck out just six times across 88 plate appearances for a 6.8% strikeout rate while drawing more than three times as many walks (20) in 2023.
- Totaled 25 hits, six doubles, 29 runs 18 RBI in his final prep campaign.
- Was a perfect 11-for-11 on stolen base attempts.
- 2023 Perfect Game Preseason Second Team All-Region.
- Three-time PG Preseason Honorable Mention All-Region (2020-22).
- Honored on 16 various all-tournament teams at PG events from 2018-2023.
- Named to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 PG HS Showdown.
- 2022 World Wood Bat Association 17U Champion with the East Cobb Astros.
- Ranked as the No. 30 shortstop in Florida by PG.
