Report: Pirates showing interest in Russell Martin
By Matt Shetler
It’s taken a long while, but the Pittsburgh Pirates have finally shown up in the rumor mill linked to a potential free agent. That particular free agent is New York Yankees’ catcher Russell Martin.
Oct 16, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin (55) at bat during game three of the 2012 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Martin is receiving significant interest from the Pirates and he would fill a need as the Bucs currently have a big hole to fill behind the plate. With the market for catchers very thin, Martin is a guy that makes sense for the Pirates to target.
Martin hit only .211 last season in pinstripes, but hit a career-high 21 homers while posting a .311 OBP and .713 OPS. He also threw out 20-of-63 base stealers, but that number would likely go way down in a Pirates’ uniform.
While Rosenthal also notes the Pirates glaring need at catcher, don’t get too excited just yet.
He also notes serious interest from the Seattle Mariners, who have much deeper pockets, as well as the Yankees desire to keep him in the Bronx.
Martin made $7.5 million last season and while he won’t likely make near that figure next season, he will likely still command more than the Pirates will probably be willing to pay.