Free agent catcher Russell Martin has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays reports MLB.com’s Peter Gammons.
Gammons noted that Mrtin was getting “[Brian] McCann money” on twitter and the actually deal rolls out to a five-year contract worth $82 million.
The #BlueJays and Russell Martin have agreed to a 5-year, $82 million deal, via @JonHeymanCBS & @pgammo
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 17, 2014
The 31-year-old Martin appeared in 111 games last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates hitting .290/.402/.430 with 11 home runs and 67 RBI. He was widely viewed as the best free agent catcher on the market.
McCann signed a deal paying his $17 million a season for five years last offseason. His deal included a club option for $15 million in 2019.
The deal for Martin to play for the Blue Jays is a bit of a surprise after weekend reports suggested the Chicago Cubs were his most likely destination.
