Carson
DeMartini

The left-handed hitting third baseman was 1-for-6 with three strikeouts during this two-game look. His lone hit came in his first at-bat on a high fly ball to centerfield. The centerfielder lost it and DeMartini got out of the box well, legging out a triple to try and jumpstart the Hokies offense versus Burns. DeMartini has long shown his bat-to-ball skills and ability to hit at a high level, but this weekend it felt like he was trying to do a little too much at times. Early and late in counts he was opening up and seemed to be chasing power to the pull side. Lacked plate coverage and had some swings-and-misses. Most of the pitches that he was swinging through were fastballs. He just appeared to be trying to do a little too much, as opposed to staying on pitches and driving balls gap to gap, something I have seen him do since he was in high school. Defensively, his hands, glove, and footwork were solid, but his arm action was not. After labrum surgery last summer, his arm strength was below average at this point in the process. He’s athletic enough to likely remain at the hot corner at the next level, but a full recovery and range of motion to his arm action is a must.

Cape Cod: As a true freshman, DeMartini was a key contributor for a stout Virginia Tech offense in 2022, slashing .342/.452/.659 while finishing in the top five for the Hokies in all three categories (AVG/OBP/SLG).  The infielder was the consummate table-setter at the top of the Whitecaps order this summer, getting on base at a .384 clip despite batting just .248 over his 36 games, demonstrating an advanced feel for the strikezone and willingness to work deep in counts. DeMartini struggled at time with pitch ID – particularly hitting late in the count – which contributed his whiffing in a third of his plate appearances.  The pop shown through the spring was hit-and-miss during the Cape regular season, though DeMartini broke out in a big way during Brewster’s six playoff contests, slashing .409/.519/1.000 over that span, including a four home run explosion two games against Y-D.  The overall offensive profile is intriguing, with the foundation here for a impact bat that can hit for power while getting on base at a top-of-the-order clip. He runs well enough to provide value and the bases and shows soft hands and solid footwork at the hot corner, with a chance to grow into an impact defender there.  A rising sophomore, DeMartini is still almost two years away from being draft eligible with the rest of the 2024 draft class, leaving lots of time for his profile to continue to grow. He’s an early favorite to emerge as a day one guy and the talent is here to build a future first rounder.

VA/DC Scout Blog

One of the better offensive infielders in the state that handles all velocities with ease. Is aggressive at the plate, especially in plus counts, and shows the ability to produce consistent loud contact. Have seen the power play gap to gap, but he showed the ability to turn on some good velocity today. Barreled up the first pitch of the game to center field and it would result in a line out, but may have been the hardest hit ball of the day for him. His next at bat he turned on an inside fastball and hit it to deep right field. There was a crosswind that I think kept it fair, but it also kept it in the park. It hit off the top of the wall and DeMartini would get a double. His next at bat he took a 2-2 fastball out of right field to extend the then 1-0 lead. As I stated before I think he moves to third base at the next level, but regardless the swing plays and it plays for consistent doubles and home run power versus higher end arms. 

VA/DC Scout Blog

DeMartini has an athletic frame with some projection left. I have seen about eight at bats from the Virginia Tech commit and the one thing I can say is the swing plays. Does not seem to have an issue handling velocity, hitting two home runs to center field off of two Division I arms. It is a square balanced setup with fluid actions. Minimal load before slotting the hands and barrel. Seeks contact out front and gains extension through the baseball. Defensively there is above average arm strength across the infield, comes forward well, and has the ability to throw on the run. Long term I think if he stays in the infield it will be at third or second base. One of the better offensive infielders in VA/DC.