MLB

Martin still waiting for Yankees to make their pitch

TOUGH GLOVE: Russell Martin, who is a free agent after hitting .211 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs last season for the Yanks, could receive an offer for a three-year deal worth as much as $30 million. (EPA)

When Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera officially re-enter the Yankees’ universe, the club can move on to the chore of signing Russell Martin to handle essentially the same pitching staff as last season.

Martin, a free agent who didn’t receive the $13.3 million qualifying offer, has been the Yankees’ regular catcher the past two years, and there is no indication the relationship won’t continue.

Yet, as November races toward December the Yankees haven’t made Martin, 30 in February, an offer. That doesn’t make him unique because the Yankees haven’t made offers to any free agents, including Pettitte and Rivera.

When the Yankees close out Pettitte and Rivera they likely will have to offer Martin a multi-year deal. Determined to get the 2014 payroll to $189 million, the Yankees have shied away from contracts that move beyond 2013. However, they had money budgeted for extensions for Robinson Cano and Curtis Granderson that won’t likely be extended this off-season.

Industry experts believe Martin can command three years at $8-$10 million per season. He made $7.5 million last year when he shook off a miserable offensive first half to finish with 21 homers and 53 RBIs. A career-low .211 batting average could have been worse. Like most Yankees, he didn’t hit in the postseason, going 5-for-31 (.161).

“I can’t describe it because of the Basic Agreement,’’ general manager Brian Cashman said yesterday when asked where he was with Matt Colleran, Martin’s agent.

The Basic Agreement has language in it forbidding club representatives and agents from discussing contract negotiations and offers with the media.

Martin is in a strong position on several fronts. The only other experienced front-line catcher on the free-agent market is A.J. Pierzynski who will be 36 in December. He is coming off a season in which he swatted a career-high 27 homers and drove in 77 runs. His left-handed bat is attractive, but the age is a drawback for the Yankees.

Martin also benefits from the Yankees not having his replacement in the organization.

Francisco Cervelli’s stock fell so fast last spring training that he was sent to Triple-A and only recalled when the rosters expanded on Sept. 1. Even then he appeared in three games and got one at-bat.

Chris Stewart is strictly a backup if he returns.

Prospect Austin Romine missed most of last year due to a back injury suffered early in spring training. He needs more seasoning at Triple-A.

Gary Sanchez, the highest-rated catching prospect, hasn’t played above Single-A.