Martin signs two-year deal with Pirates
Russell Martin - C - Pittsburgh Pirates
Nov. 30, 2012 - 3:25 PM ET
Pirates signed C Russell Martin to a two-year, $17 million contract.
The deal was reported Thursday, and Martin has now passed his physical, making it official. He'll receive a $2 million signing bonus and will earn $6.5 million in 2013 and $8.5 million in 2014. The backstop could have taken a three-year, $21 million pact from the Pirates but instead will gamble on his ability to earn more once the two-year deal runs out. Martin batted just .211/.311/.403 this past season but did hit 21 homers and offers above-average defense.