Pending Physical Russell Martin Will Play in Pittsburgh

Martin chooses Pittsburgh over the Yankees

Pending a physical the Pittsburgh Pirates and Russell Martin have agreed to a two-year $17 million contract. Martin has spent the past two years with the New York Yankees, hitting .224/.317/.405 with 39 homers.

The Yankees reached a one-year deal earlier in the day with all world closer Mariano Rivera for $10 million, and the Yankees wanted Martin to return but apparently not at that asking price.

The Yankees are committed to reducing their salary below the $189 million ceiling.

Free agent catchers left on the market include Mike Napoli and A.J. Pierzynski. both are expected to demand considerably more than Martin received.

Last year Pittsburgh catchers in a combined 217/.299/.385, and Martin has a career slash line of 260/.352/.399. Martin is regarded as a skilled handler of pitchers. Martin represents a significant upgrade over Rod Barajas.

However, Tim Williams of Pirates Prospects has a point,  ”Martin might have a career 30% caught stealing rate, but if the Pirates maintain the same philosophy — having the pitchers focus entirely on the hitter, rather than splitting their attention and holding the runner on — Martin will struggle”.

The deal represents the most expensive of Neal Huntington’s tenure as Pittsbugh’s general manager, and he is sure to come under scrutiny. $17 million is a lot of money in the Pittsburgh Pirates economy.