Yankees rumors: New York has not made Martin an offer

The New York Yankees are interested in retaining free-agent catcher Russell Martin but have yet to make an offer to the veteran backstop, reports George A. King III of the New York Post:

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.

The 29-year-old Martin is not alone in his waiting for New York to make a move, as left-hander Andy Pettitte and closer Mariano Rivera have yet to receive offers as well. King posits that the Yankees are likely to hold on discussions with Martin until they have both Pettitte and Rivera locked up so they can be certain of their financial situation.

Hal Steinbrenner and company have stated their desire to keep payroll for the coming seasons under the luxury tax threshold of $189 million, which could bode ill for giving the veteran Martin the multi-year deal he is seeking. Experts believe that Martin will "command three years at $8-$10 million per season", according to King, but the Yankees may not have that available if Pettitte and Rivera require more money than expected.