On Sunday night, the Toronto Blue Jays were gaining momentum in the Russell Martin negotiations although many felt the Chicago Cubs were the frontrunner. Jon Heyman and Ken Rosenthal were among those that reported Martin signed with the Blue Jays on Monday. The deal, which is pending a physical, is reported to be a five-year, $82 million contract. The deal is way too rich for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pittsburgh will receive a compensatory pick in the 2015 draft after giving Martin a qualifying offer at the start of the costless agency period.
For about the last week the race for Martin was down to these three teams. Martin is Canadian and will move to Toronto where he may move to DH as the contract progresses. Martin, who will be 36 at the end of the deal and is coming off a career year, will partner with Dioner Navarro. The deal is similar to what Brian McCann received last year and the contract signed by Yadier Molina in 2012.
Martin was signed for two years and $17 million by the Pirates in 2012. Pittsburgh tried to add a third year, but Martin wanted to position himself for costless agency this year and it paid off. It is highly unlikely that the Pirates were willing to stretch to the fifth year for Martin during these negotiations.
The Cubs were reportedly offering a four-year, $64 million contract, which was blown out of the water by Toronto. This is actually the second-biggest deal in Toronto franchise history behind Vernon Wells. Dejan Kovacevic reported that the Pirates did offer Martin a contract this past summer, but it was not entertained by the Martin camp. Kovacevic also reports that Pittsburgh made a better offer after the season, which was enough to keep them in the discussion.
Toronto sacrifices the 18th pick in the draft and the Pirates will get a compensatory pick, which will be no lower than the 35th pick. Pittsburgh will now turn to pitching in the costless agent market after acquiring Francisco Cervelli last week. The will not have to wait long to see Martin with his new team. The Pirates will open the Grapefruit League against Toronto on March 3.