The Chicago Cubs fully intend to target veteran catcher Russell Martin in MLB free agency this offseason.
The Chicago Cubs are seriously looking to contend for a playoff spot next season, and they are open to spending a good amount of money in free agency if they need to do so. They have made it clear that they’d like to acquire a big arm or two, and they want to shore up the weak spots in their lineup as well. One of the big issues for them last year was the catcher position, and they have targeted Russell Martin in free agency to fill that role.
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Martin is being targeted by the Cubs according to a report from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Martin was one of the best catchers in the game, both offensively and defensively. He finished the year with a .290 batting average to go along with 11 home runs and 67 RBI’s. Martin’s .402 on-base percentage was among the best in the majors as well.
Theo Epstein is serious about the Cubs being legitimate contenders next season, and he is willing to spend big money in order to make that happen. He is also pursuing one of the best starting pitchers on the market, and might look to add a second consistently strong arm as well. The bullpen is another area of need, and Chicago plans to address that area as well.
There is no doubt that Martin would be an upgrade at the catcher position, and he would be a great addition for the clubhouse as well. He’s 31 years old, which would add much needed veteran leadership as well.
Expect to hear more news about the Cubs going after Martin as the offseason continues forward.
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