Pirates, Russell Martin agree to 2-year, $17M deal

The Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to sign catcher Russell Martin to a 2-year, $17 million deal. Ken Rosenthal first reported the deal while David Waldenstein reported the terms:

Russell Martin has agreed to a 2-year, $17 million contract with the Pirates, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.

— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) November 30, 2012

The deal follows several days of speculation that it was down to the Yankees and Pirates. Four days ago, it was reported that Martin was waiting on an offer from the Yankees before looking elsewhere, and the eventually did discuss a contract which Jon Heyman reports tonight was in the 2-year, $12M-$14M range.

Obviously that wasn't enough to land the veteran catcher, as he was apparently wanting something in the 4-year, $36M-$40M range. It's nice to want things, huh? Waldenstein further reports the Yankees told Martin they didn't have the cash:

Martin said he loved playing in New York but it was a business decision. Said the Yankees told him they didn't have the cash to match.

— David Waldstein (@DavidWaldstein) November 30, 2012

Now whether that means "we're out of money" (LOL) or it's just missing the lawyer-like appendage "for you" is probably not a debate worth having. What's clear now is that Pirates outbid the Yankees for one of their own players.

The Pirates outbid the Yankees for one of their own players.