We’ve reached the middle of February, but longtime major league catcher Russell Martin is still without a job. He’s the best backstop left on a market that has drastically dwindled since last season ended. As of November, Martin was still planning to play in 2020. That remains the case, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
While Martin has received chances to sign with teams since 2019 ended, he has turned down those opportunities for family reasons, Sherman reports. However, expectations are that he’ll put himself back on the market within the “next few weeks,” per Sherman.
Since the offseason commenced, the Athletics have been the only team connected to Martin in the rumor mill. Wherever he goes (if he signs anywhere), he’ll have to settle for a low-paying major league contract or even a minors deal. But that’s not to dismiss Martin’s vast accomplishments. Set to turn 37 on Saturday, the former Dodger, Yankee, Pirate and Blue Jay is statistically one of the most successful catchers ever, ranking ninth all-time at his position in fWAR (55.2).
Although Martin’s no longer the player he was in his heyday, the four-time All-Star still has something to offer. Martin was worth 1.2 fWAR in a part-time role last season in Los Angeles, where he hit .220/.337/.330 in 249 plate appearances. He also rated as one of the top pitch-framing catchers in the game. Beyond statistics, Martin has always been thought of as a high-quality teammate and leader, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see him end up in a major league uniform yet again in 2020.
Doesn’t have youth, but, could be a cheap option for a backup in boston. Having him in the organization could be good for Wong as well
Yeah that must be why they had to move Mookie, to bring in Russell…
Was thinking as a back up for the Yanks where he’s played before. Not sure what the family reasons are.
You realize that Wong was the #4or 5 catcher in the Dodger organization right? Not sure how much contact Martin will have with him. Martin did a fine job with the Dodgers both tomes he was with them.
Times.
Yet #4 in Dodgers’ farm is different than most teams considering he was behind Smith, Ruiz, and Cartaya.
Jeez I would love to see him on the Tigers, even if we already have Romine. Two vets who could really help us get the most out of our high upside staff. Then you could at least pencil the Tigers in for 62 wins.
Martin > Austin Barnes. Make it happen, Dodgers.
On a minor league deal, for sure. Barnes should get another shot at backing up, but after him the depth is Rocky Gale.
Could see the Padres sell high on Hedges and his defensive metrics. A team like the A’s who really value that could accept a package around him plus a SP arm like Bolanos, Baez or Morejon for Mark Canha. He fits the Padres in a lot of different ways with their current roster weaknesses.
The A’s aren’t giving up Canha for a backup catcher and a #7 starter
Can someone please stop Mike Bloomberg from shoving ads into every story on MLB Trade Rumors? I’ll pay you a billion dollars. I don’t have the money now but I can get it.
He’s everywhere. He’s not saying anything good or meaningful or anything that the people want, but he’s everywhere.
These ads may get him up to 6th place in Nevada
The only one that can possibly beat Trump at his own game.
Late night out, huh?
For those who haven’t lived or worked in NYC when he was mayor, his money put him above the political fracas. He governed based on his beliefs. Imagine that. Trying to do what you felt was right for those constituents you work for instead of continuing to do what benefits you and yours. I don’t want this forum to become political but it already has with the ads. America doesn’t need Trump or Sanders. It needs a leader that can get moderate Republicans and conservative Democrats to again work together for most of America.
Looie/dewey: I tend to also try to keep politics out of things, but, as you said, bloom berg is paying to keep the light on here soo…..
My opinion, worth what was paid for it, goes something like this.
1) The current president was also supposedly above the influence and had plenty of personal money to stay that way. I look at how that turned out, and although everybody is different, not another billionaire buying the presidency please.
2) look at the last couple of presidents and, well, there is something in common – congress won’t give me my way and I’ll use executive actions and rule making to push my personal views. So, looking at bloomberg’s sound bites and what he’s done in NYC… well, that plays well to the coastal liberal bases, but those moderate conservatives/democrats? Noooot so much. So when he doesn’t get his way I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a wave of rulemaking and exec orders pushing priorities such as those pursued in his time in NYC. Again, GREAT for coastal liberals, anathema to the rest of the country. (It’s important to remember what makes sense for NY could be destructive in the heartland or rural areas. The entire country shouldn’t be governed as if it was a liberal big city.
3) the only guy running that at least has a history of showing ability to do what you say, get the center working together and leave the wings on the fringe? Probably the least likely of anyone to be nominated – Biden. The fact he doesn’t race to the fringe and does stick to his narrative of past cooperation and civility with the opposition, including persons he deeply disagreed with… yeah, probably the best bet not to use the levers of power to push through things he can’t get anyone to work with him on.
Value of that opinion? $0.
The only one who could beat Trump is the ghost of Saddam Hussein. But even that would be a close match.
Yes he did push but for those who don’t know, Bloomberg’s party affiliation has flip-flopped and in reality he’s a maverick like McCain or Lieberman. Some of his beliefs are conservative others are not. Truth is any president has to work with Congress who have to work together. Time for either a third party or the elimination of parties altogether so those elected don’t have to worry about the extremes of each party which are really in control right now.
Lololol. That’s funny, man. Bloomberg besting Trump at his own game? You must not be watching ‘Merica very closely. But I respect your opinion and I’m glad to see that glimmer of hope. MAGA – damn, I love this country…. and baseball!!!
Haha!!
I prefer Larry David’s use of the hat, much more prudent most who don’t the hat.
*Don* the hat
Hahaha. What’s best?
Yep. What Anerica needs is Federal mandates regarding the allowable size of sodas.
No more nanny state nonsense please.
Out of 4 candidates
The Mets have a good offensive catcher and chopped liver as a backup. Please go sign him.
I couldn’t believe Yasmani turned down their offer last year. The Mets could use him.
I have always liked Russell Martin. I sure hope the Dodgers bring him back as a bullpen catcher
He’ll get a gig with some team’s catcher gets hurt.
Or gets caught squeezing one out in a parking lot…
I don’t see how bringing Martin in on a minor league deal could hurt any team. Even the Jays could use him with the uncertainty surrounding McGuire aka Blowy McGee.
I could see a reunion with Toronto if LA doesn’t pan out. One or the other.
Catcher? I thought Russ was a mop up man haha
Heard the Blue Jays May need a catcher – theirs is in Walmart’s parking lot, naked and watching the shoppers while he works on grip strength
I heard Bartolommeo Colon needs a catcher in the Mexican League
im guessing one of the teams he turned down was the pirates, but if not come on back russ. was a fan favorite here. i love how he played with us.
at worst he would be the front runner for backup, with a reasonable chance to start.
pipe dreams /sigh.
Not to mention that coming back to Pittsburgh would automatically put Russell Martin at number 1 on the Pirates depth chart at Third Base.
Come to think of it, Center Field too.
While he may not play everyday as the catcher, he could legitimately take over the everyday third base or center field job with no questions asked.
CF? You are joking, right?
I think he’d fit well here. I’d prefer a younger catcher will some level of upside. Reese McGuire could be buy low candidate, right?
Russell Nathan Coltrane Jeanson Martin Jr. What a name.
Also his wife is an absolute rocket.
My grandsons middle name is Coletrain
My grandsons name is Coal Train
My grandsons name is Colt Reign
With Reese McGuire’s situation in Toronto a reunion with the Blue Jays could be very possible.
Be a good 26th man on a team with catchers that can play other positions
He stinks at anything other than catcher….promoting any AAA player would be cheaper and better long term decision.
And with MLB going to some type of non-human strike calling system, his “pitch framing skills” will be a thing of the past very soon. Time to retire!
Important to clarify that Sherman’s tweet said he was tending to a “family matter”, not because of “family reasons”. Small difference, but the original implies he may be open to playing anywhere and just wasnt in a time when he could focus on that. MLBTR calling it family reasons implies that he would only be willing to play close to home.
I’ll never forget how this guy swindled Toronto for 80 mill.
There’s not a chance AA doesn’t redo that deal if he could go back 5 years. Russ brought a culture change and some much needed stability behind the plate. There’s a reason the pitching took off those seasons.
I’d be happy to have Martin back with the Yankees. Going into the offseason I thought he’d be a great player in Houston, but F the Astros so anyone but them
should go back to Pittsburgh! he won’t be great but they desperately need to boost ticket sales. Russ was insanely popular there
i agree self
I’d rather have Russell Martin at 37 than Busty Poser at 32 with bad hips on my team…
Perfect back up for the Yankees!!!!
Tigers should get him to work with Conine, let Rodgers and Griener have more seasoning
I dont think helping the Jay’s to back-to-back ALCS appearences is considered swindling
Yanks should bring him in. Slap Sanchez around a bit.