Report: Blue Jays Sign Russell Martin
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Tony Firriolo/MLB Photos via Getty Images(NEW YORK) — The Toronto Blue Jays and free agent catcher Russell Martin agreed to a five-year deal worth $82 million on Monday, pending a physical, reports ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney.
Martin is coming off a season in which he batted .290 with 11 homers and 67 RBIs, while being one of the key reasons for the Pirates’ postseason berth.
Martin, 31, threw out 37 attempted base stealers this year, and Toronto was hoping to add a veteran at the catching position.
The Pirates gave Martin a one-year qualifying offer for $15 million next season, but he rejected it.
Toronto started four catchers in 2014, and finished in third place in the AL East, behind the Yankees and Orioles.
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