​Another UCLA Bruins infielder has gone off the board in the 2026 MLB Draft. After Roch Cholowsky and Mulivai Levu were selected, the Oakland Athletics added a third baseman to their roster in the fourth round, choosing Roman Martin with the No. 111 overall pick. The Athletics landed solid value in the fourth round with Martin, a UCLA infield stalwart known for his exceptional defense and a consistent ability to reach base.
If Martin hadn’t been playing alongside a superstar in Cholowsky, he likely would have been pushed to shortstop, and scouts believe he is a plus defender at whichever position he ultimately handles. Over his junior season, Martin posted an on-base percentage of .446 while batting .333, also hitting a career-high nine home runs. While he may not match the sheer power of his UCLA teammates, Martin contributed 21 home runs and 41 doubles across 159 career games with the Bruins, demonstrating a blend of contact, gap power, and plate discipline that teams value.
With Martin joining the Athletics, Oakland adds another versatile infield option to an already well-stocked mix that includes Jacob Wilson, Max Muncy, Nick Kurtz, and Zach Gelof. If Martin makes it to the major leagues with the Athletics, he should find a favorable hitting environment, whether the team remains in Sacramento or eventually relocates to Las Vegas. Like the other UCLA infielders drafted this year, Martin hails from California and spent his entire collegiate career with the Bruins before turning pro. He is the fourth Bruin to come off the board in this draft, following Cholowsky, Levu, and right-handed pitcher Logan Reddemann.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire, highlighting Roman Martin’s West Coast roots and his draft selection by the Athletics as part of broader coverage to enhance search optimization.