Russell Martin will be a hot target in MLB free agency this winter. On Monday the Pittsburgh Pirates extended him a qualifying offer.
The Pittsburgh Pirates knew what they had with veteran catcher Russell Martin. They tried to sign him to an extension. Those efforts didn’t work, and frankly, they probably never were very close to working.
More from MLB
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- Shohei Ohtani trade rumors live tracker: Every update so far
- MLB Rumors: Yankees mistake, Cardinals trade package, Cubs choice
- Inside the Clubhouse: What I’m hearing ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline
Martin has a chance to get paid this winter, and it seems apparent that he is going to pursue that opportunity. With that in mind, the Pirates took advantage of the protection of the qualifying offer system on Monday. In a move that most people expected, the Pirates extended a $15.3 million qualifying offer to Martin.
The #Pirates have extended one-year qualifying offers to catcher @russellmartin55 and LHP Francisco Liriano.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) November 3, 2014
It will now cost any team besides the Pirates draft pick compensation to sign Martin.
Teams have to at least ask themselves a simple question when they issue these qualifying offers: if the player accepts, do we feel OK paying him $15.3 million for one season of work? The Pirates can comfortably say yes with Martin given the combination of value he brings defensively and at the plate.
Martin is coming off his best career season offensively. In 460 plate appearances, Martin batted .290/.402/.430 with 11 home runs and 67 RBI. You combine that production with his good defense and his veteran presence for managing a pitching staff, and you have a free agent who will attract many suitors.
Martin might also be a case where teams are willing to give up a draft pick to sign him. His contract might be in the neighborhood of $50 million and it might be for four or five years, but the market for him will be hot enough that teams will likely be willing to pay and to give up a first or second round draft pick in the process.
More from FanSided
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers land Amed Rosario from Guardians
- Colorado gives Pac-12 a possible death knell with move to Big 12
- NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook suitor maintaining very ‘real’ interest
- Braves get dose of bad news on Max Fried as ace nears return
- LA Galaxy vs. Club Leon Leagues Cup match rescheduled for July 26