Report: Pirates to extend qualifying offer to Russell Martin
The Pittsburgh Pirates intend to present catcher Russell Martin with a $15.3 million qualifying offer, according to a report from CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman on Thursday.
Martin, a free-agent, was reportedly offered a multiyear deal during the season, but no agreement was reached. Martin hit .290 with 11 home runs, 67 RBIs and a .402 on-base percentage while throwing out 37 base runners this season.
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The Pirates lost to the San Francisco Giants in the NL Wild Card game after going 88-74 and finishing second to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central. Pittsburgh's 2014 payroll, $77 million, was the highest in the team's history, but just 27th in Major League Baseball.
Martin, 31, signed a two-year, $17 million contract with the Pirates in November 2012. During his nine-year career, Martin has hit .259 with 119 home runs, 540 RBIs and a .354 on-base percentage.
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According to Heyman, the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom Martin spent his first five years in the league, could be interested in signing him, as well as teams seeking a catcher, including the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.
- Christopher Woody
