Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed free agent catcher Russell Martin to a two-year contract.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette had reported it to be worth $17 million.
Martin spent the past two years with the New York Yankees, who, along with Texas and Seattle, were believed to be among his suitors. He hit a career-low .211 in 133 games last season, but belted a career-high 21 homers and drove in 53 runs.
The 29-year-old veteran, who played the first five years of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, is considered a top defensive catcher. He threw out 24 percent of potential base stealers last season and can handle a pitching staff.
"With the signing of Russell Martin, we have acquired a quality defensive catcher who is a disciplined hitter that adds power to our lineup," said Pirates general manager Neal Huntington in a statement Friday. "He also brings experience, leadership and a strong desire to compete and win to our organization."
Martin is a career .260 hitter with 93 homers and 418 runs batted in. He was an All-Star in 2007 and 2008 with Los Angeles, then again in 2011 with the Yankees.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.