Russell Martin rumors: Pirates, Yankees, Mariners, Rangers

The Pittsburgh Pirates are said to be "making a spirited effort to pry" catcher Russell Martin away from the New York Yankees, while the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners are two more possible suitors for the free agent, reports Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com:

The Pirates are said to be making a spirited effort to pry away catcher Russell Martin from the Yankees.

Word going around is that the Pirates might enter the Martin market with "the high bid," according to Heyman, which could be as high as three years and $25 million. It was reported yesterday that Martin is seeking four years and $9-$10 million per season.

While the Yankees aren’t expected to offer "anything close to that," Heyman notes that the bidding is not over as it appears Martin would prefer to remain in New York. The Yankees are thought likely to be offering a two-year deal at this point, according to Heyman, but the Pirates’ presence could cause New York to increase their offered salary, add an option or even include a third year.