Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates MARTIN SEEKS FIVE YEARS
Russell Martin will net at least a four year deal in free agency and his sights remain on a five year deal, a primary reason there isn’t much optimism in Pirate circles of them being able to compete with others for Martin.
Jeff Blair of Sportsnet reports “Martin wants a contract worth between $75-$80 million over five years.”
While the Cubs continue to be regarded as a front runner to sign Martin, and the Dodgers are looking hard at him again, Martin is giving serious consideration to playing in the American League due to a desire to move away from home plate at some point.
The Blue Jays, Mariners are among the AL teams linked to Martin thus far in the process.
LIRIANO HAS UNTIL 5:00 PM TO ACCEPT OR DECLINE QUALIFYING OFFER
Francisco Liriano’s agent has made it no secret to teams that the Pirates lefty hander would like to sign wherever Russell Martin goes but the only fits for Liriano to join Martin could be Chicago or resigning in Pittsburgh. Liriano, though, has received enough interest where the Pirates lefty is believed to be leaning towards declining the Pirates $15.3 million qualifying offer, Pirates officials contend this morning.
The team has been in regular contact with Liriano’s representatives at the Legacy Agency.
Liriano and Michael Cuddyer are the only two realistic candidates who might accept their QO’s.
The Pirates will be thrilled if Liriano accepts.
