Pirates sign catcher Russell Martin to a 2 year, $17 million deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reached an agreement with free agent catcher Russell Martin, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports

Martin last season made $7.5 million with the Yankees and hit .211/.311/.413 with a career high 21 home runs and added 56 RBI’s. He batted .161 in the post-season.

Martin a right handed hitter, would likely see his power numbers go down playing in PNC Park and he threw out just 24% of base stealers, below the Major League average.

updated 8:40 p.m. – Martin and the Pirates have agreed to a 2 year deal worth $17 million

updated: 9:05 p.m. – Did the Pirates outbid the Yankees? Apparently, No. Buster Olney of ESPN writes “The Yankees never made an offer to Russell Martin.”