Blue Jays sign Russell Martin

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed free agent catcher Russell Martin to a five year contract worth US $82 million dollars. As part of his contract, Martin will make a donation to the Jays Care Foundation on an annual basis.

Martin, 31, hit .290 last season for the Pittsburgh Pirates with 20 doubles, 11 home runs and 67 RBI in 111 games with an on-base percentage of .402. The 5-10, 205lb. right-handed hitter threw out 28 of 87 (32.2%) base-stealers last season. The East York, Ontario native has a career batting average of .268 over nine seasons in the Major Leagues with 119 home runs and 540 RBI in 1,163 games played for the Los Angeles Dodgers (2006-2010), the New York Yankees (2011-2012) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2013-2014). A three time all-star, Martin who resides in Chelsea, Quebec has participated in post-season play during seven of his nine seasons and in 2007 captured both Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards.