Mets rumors: New York should target Russell Martin

If the New York Yankees do not re-sign catcher Russell Martin and allow him to hit he free agent market this winter, Joel Sherman of The New York Post believes the New York Mets should look to acquire him:

Russell Martin needs to be kept in New York — and, yes, that is a message to the Mets in case the Yankees let their catcher walk at the conclusion of this season.

While the Yankees appeared to have a bevy of options to take over for Martin when his current contract expires, they have greatly diminished recently. Jesus Montero was traded to the Seattle Mariners. Prospects Austin Romine (missed 2012 to back injury) and Gary Sanchez (years away) are not likely to be options for the start of 2013. Francisco Cervelli spent almost the entire year in Triple-A.

For these reasons it’s not clear that the Yankees will allow Martin to walk this winter. If they do, Sherman implores the Mets to target him. He notes that it’s been proven that the backstop can handle New York and says the Mets could certainly use the power boost.

Over 422 at-bats for the Yankees this season Martin hit .211/.311/.403 with 18 doubles and 21 home runs. He owns a career line of .260/.352/.399 in seven seasons at the major league level.