Editorials

MLB Rumors: Pirates To Give Qualifying Offer To Russell Martin

[new_royalslider id=”76″] Following their loss in the National League Wild Card game, the Pittsburgh Pirates began to think about their moves this winter.

One of the biggest decisions they will have to make is what to do with catcher Russell Martin. They have made it clear that they want to bring back the 31-year-old and even offered him a multi-year deal during the year.



According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Pirates will attempt to keep their catcher even without a long-term deal:

The Pirates plan to extend the $15.3 million qualifying offer to star free-agent catcher Russell Martin, league sources said.

If Martin declines the qualifying offer, he will cost the team that signs him a first round draft pick. The former All-Star hit .290 with 11 home runs and 67 RBIs in 111 games. He also provided solid defense and handled the Pirates pitching staff. He was a major part in turning the Pirates around and helping them reach their first postseason in 20 years.

This move could affect the Los Angeles Dodgers, as they have been rumored as one of the teams that could be interested in Martin’s services. Martin spent five seasons with the Dodgers before signing with the New York Yankees. With A.J. Ellis coming off his toughest season, that could make room for Martin back in Los Angeles. Even though ace Clayton Kershaw has publicly voiced his opinion on bringing Ellis back, the Dodgers could use him as a backup if they find someone better to take the everyday job.

Having the loss of a first round pick attached to Martin could deter the Dodgers from making any deals, especially with new President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman at the helm. Friedman is known for putting a high priority on draft picks and building up the farm system through the draft.

Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

9 Comments

  1. Sign Martin! Couldn’t Ellis just start only when Kershaw pitches? Martin would start for the other games. It can work. I loved Russ in dodger blue. I hope they do get him. Huge upgrade. It’s worth the draft pick. Oh and if they give Hanley a QO and he signs with let’s say the Yankees then we get a pick back too. Give Hanley the QO and if he goes elsewhere then so be it. The Dodgers have a great glove with Erisbel Arruebarrena and also some power with Alex Guerrero. Sign Martin to upgrade the offense.

  2. Dodgers farm system is so good, they could afford to lose one first round pick. The catching position needs some batting and Russel can provide that, along with defense as good as Ellis. Split the work load. Sign Martin.

    1. I hate to tell you this, but Martin is in NO WAY worth that much money……he is no Yadier Molina behind the plate and not that great a hitter…..excuse me..15.3 million? for Martin….?? you are insane

  3. Let him get overpaid in Pittsburgh. Good catcher but not worth that much $$$. Ellis is fine for right now. If only Butera could improve his hitting…

  4. We have no good catchers in our farm system I can’t seeing going through another year with a less then 200 BA, trade or offerMartin if he doesn’t resign

    1. There are 3 C in the minors who re rated in the top 20 Dodger prospects….They are not going to pay Martin that much money…cheaper options in trade out there

  5. yes martin is not molina .matrin is beatter than molina. martin can’t play 3bs not molina,martin play for the team,not molina, yes sing martin

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