Russell Martin Could Start Again In 2019
6 years agoToronto Blue Jays catcher Russell Martin, who didn't play at all after Sept. 3, could be the team's main catcher again in 2019, according to general manager Ross Atkins. “He makes such a difference for pitchers with his receiving, with his leadership, with his instincts, with his confidence,” Atkins said. “If he’s near his best, he’s playing. How regularly? We’ll see. It’ll depend on Danny Jansen, Reese McGuire, Luke Maile, Max Pentecost. There’s other pieces to that equation.” Toronto could also trade Martin, who will make $20 million next season. However, they'd have to eat a large portion of his salary in that case. The 35-year-old Martin hit an embarrassing .194/.338/.325 with 10 homers and 25 RBI in 90 games this year. He's really not useful for his offensive contributions anymore but rather his defense. That will only make him an option in AL-only, two-catcher leagues next year if he's playing enough.
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith
Source: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith