There has been talk this week of a possible three year extension between the Yankees and catcher Russell Martin, but while the sides have revived talks this week, they do not appear to be close to a deal though.
Martin will earn $7.5 million this season with another $100K in possible incentives. The Yankees want to scrap that deal and are looking to sign him to an extension in the three-year $20 million range, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Heyman also said that Martin is seeking a raise though and from what Martin’s agent told Mark Feinsand and John Harper of the NY Daily News, it doesn’t sound like they are in a rush to sign a deal they don’t like.
“It’s too early to say if we’ll be able to do something,” Martin’s agent Matt Colleran told the Daily News. “What they want to do is not something we want to do, and what we want to do is not something they want to do. But we’ll continue talking.”
“It’s not like Russell is two years away from being a free agent,” Colleran said. “He’s six months away, and considering the shape he’s in, we don’t have a problem playing out the season.”
If Martin and the Yankees don’t reach an agreement before next off season, he will become a free agent. He could probably find a decent offer on the open market too being that he will be one of the better catchers available along with Miguel Montero.
The Yankees are attempting to get payroll under $189 million before the 2014 season so they may take a hard line with Martin in negotiations. Or they could front load the contract.
Related Stories- February 23, 2012 -- Rumor: Yankees and Martin dicussing 3-year deal
- February 20, 2012 -- Yankees discussed a 3-year extension with Russell Martin
- January 28, 2012 -- Hiroki Kuroda has a full no trade clause
- January 24, 2012 -- Yankees agree to deal with Martin to avoid arbitration
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February 23, 2012
