LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Yankees have extended an offer to free-agent catcher Russell Martin, and explained to his agent they view him as a starter.
“They made an offer and have serious interest,” agent Matt Colleran said. “We are at the point where we are having serious discussions with the Yankees, Red Sox and Toronto.”
Asked what role the Yankees have told the righty-hitting Martin they want him for, Colleran said, “starting catcher.”
While the Yankees never guaranteed stud prospect Jesus Montero the starting job when they told Jorge Posada to be ready for extended DH duty, it was assumed Montero would get first crack at replacing Posada behind the plate. If Martin signs, it could be an indication the Yankees aren’t convinced Montero is ready.
Martin, 27, was non-tendered by the Dodgers recently. They were wary of going to arbitration with him after he made $5 million last year, when he batted .248 with five homers and 26 RBIs in 97 games. His season ended Aug. 3 when he broke his hip sliding into home plate.
Before Martin was non-tendered, the Yankees talked to the Dodgers about a deal for the 5-foot-10, 230-pounder, but nothing developed.