Russell Martin Rumors: Meeting With Dodgers, Cubs, Blue Jays, Pirates

Free agent MLB catcher Russell Martin has reportedly met with the Chicago Cubs and plans to meet with more teams in the coming days.

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Although the Chicago Cubs have been hot on the heels of free agent catcher Russell Martin, they’ll certainly have competition for his services.

Martin, who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season is expected to meet with his old team in the coming days and will also get together with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays.

That’s the word from CBS Chicago who reports the Cubs have already sat down with the veteran catcher.

"Martin is considered one of the top catchers in the game and will have further serious conversations with four teams, including the Cubs, according to industry sources. The Pirates, Martin’s most recent club, the Dodgers and Blue Jays are other teams that Martin and his agent will visit with."

A position usually void of much offensive talent, Russell Martin is a relatively rare breed at catcher considering he can easily hit .280 and hit 15 home runs during a season. Given that and the lack of talent in the free agent pool, it’s expected that Russell Martin will cash in.

Each of the interested parties have a huge void at catcher so it’s not as if Martin will need to worry about another backstop taking his job. Considering such it seems as if locale, financials and fit with the franchise will be Russell Martin’s biggest interests when he eventually signs on the dotted line.

There’s also the prospect of playing for a winning franchise. Each team will likely be in position to battle for a playoff birth next year (assuming the Cubs spend big in free agency) so it doesn’t appear as if any team holds an advantage in that regard.

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