Free-agent catcher Russell Martin agreed to terms with the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday on a five-year, $82 million contract, according to a source with knowledge of the contract.
The agreement confirms what the Pirates tacitly acknowledged when they traded for Francisco Cervelli — that Martin, whose exceptional 2014 season put him at the top of the free-agent catching pool — would depart.
MLB Network, CBS Sports and Fox Sports first reported the terms of the deal.
The Pirates will receive a compensatory 2015 draft pick after the conclusion of the first round because Martin declined their $15.3 million qualifying offer. The Blue Jays will lose their first pick, at No. 17 overall. The Pirates now select 21st, moving up two spots because the Blue Jays and New York Mets lost first-round picks for signing free agents attached to draft-pick compensation, and they could pick earlier if more teams lose draft picks.
Martin will be 32 when next season starts and 36 when his contract expires. The deal resembles the five-year, $85 million contract the New York Yankees agreed to with catcher Brian McCann before last season and outpaces the five-year salaries of catchers Miguel Montero and Yadier Molina — $60 million and $75 million, respectively.
Martin hit .290 with a .402 on-base percentage in 2014, his second season in Pittsburgh. The Pirates signed him to a two-year, $17 million contract after the 2012 season. Martin’s excellent defense, pitch framing and work with the pitching staff contributed to the Pirates’ return to the playoffs after 20 years in a row of losing seasons.
The Pirates knew they were unlikely to retain Martin despite saying they would make efforts to try, so they traded left-hander Justin Wilson to the Yankees last week for Cervelli, a capable catcher when he can stay healthy. They also have Chris Stewart, like Martin and Cervelli a former Yankee, and Tony Sanchez, with Elias Diaz a possibility down the road.
Had the Pirates offered Martin anything longer than a three-year contract, Martin would have earned a no-trade clause, triggered by spending 10 years in the major leagues and the previous five years with the same team, after the 2017 season. They probably did not want an aging catcher on an expensive contract whom they could not move without his permission, especially with Diaz and talented prospect Reese McGuire on the way.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
