What Does a Russell Martin Contract Mean?

Russell Martin. Defensive Wizard, Club House Leader, Heartbeat of Pirates. He's also a pending free agent. Most think he'll only see PNC Park in a visitors uniform in the future. I side with most. People will be quick to blame ownership. "Spend Nutting, Get Nutting." I believe was a sign once. But, in this instance, is it OK to spend nutting?

Russell Martin batted .291 with 11 home runs in 2014.

Yes, you're right. I would be insane to think Russell Martin would not help the 2015 Pirates. But, would Russell Martin help the 2018 Pirates. That may be the real question. If the Pirates were to resign Martin, he would probably run the Bucs at least four years and 60 million. That's a big chunk of change, especially for a catcher.

Martin would be 36 years old for the 2018 season. That's an old catcher, it's also an expensive catcher. $15 million committed to a catcher who's 36 is a risky investment for a small market team. That's money that could be committed to a starting pitcher. Money that could be committed to Neil Walker.

Small market teams can't be wrong when issuing big contracts. They hamper future decisions. Dedicating money towards players who can't play result in a restricted use of team payroll.

So, I'd love to see Russell Martin in a Pirates uniform. I'd also love to look at the crystal ball and see if he would be worth it four years from now.

Extra Link: Charlie Wilmouth of MLBTradeRumors wrote a great look at the Pirates Offsesson. Pirates Offseason Lookout