MLB Rumors: Pittsburgh Pirates Interested in Russell Martin

Sep 27, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; New York Yankees catcher Russell Martin (55) bats against the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays beat the Yankees 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

A report from  Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports,  has the Pittsburgh Pirates interested in free agent catcher Russell Martin.    

The Mariners are also interested as they are in desperate need (still) of a catcher much like the Pirates are.   The report says the New York Yankees are obviously the favorite for Martin’s services, but the Bucs, Mariners, and Texas Rangers are also in the mix.

The Bronx Bombers signed backup catcher Eli Whiteside to a deal worth about $600,000, thus the Yanks avoided arbitration with the 33-year-old who they grabbed off waivers from the Giants earlier this month.

The Yankees are looking to get under the $189 MM luxury tax threshold by 2014, so large deals are something they might be trying to avoid should you believe that theory.

Martin’s agent, Matt Colleran, told several news outlets that Martin has met with a few clubs, but he wouldn’t give anyone the specifics.  The Rangers have never been afraid to write a check, so the Pirates are going to need to make a valiant effort to land the services of Martin for the 2013 season.

It’s believed Martin is looking for a three-year deal.