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Report: Russell Martin Signing With Toronto

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Catcher Russell Martin is reportedly signing with the Toronto Blue Jays.

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman tweeted out the deal a short time ago.

Heyman says Martin is getting a five-year deal with the Blue Jays.

Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports the deal is 5-years, $82-million for Martin.

The Pirates offered Martin a $15.3 million qualifying offer which he declined.

The 31-year-old catcher had one of the best seasons of his career this year and the Pirates benefited.

While they lost in the wild card game to the eventual World Series Champions, the Pirates got to that point thanks to the play of Martin.

He hit .290 with 67 RBI despite missing 22 straight games in May because of an injury.

Blue Jays Broadcaster Mike Wilner joined the Starkey and Mueller Show to talk about the team signing Martin saying they probably overpaid, but they have to because Toronto isn't a huge destination for Major Leaguers.

"It's not so much for Russ Martin the prospects of playing in Canada, but the artifical turf, the American League East, the fact that...this was the first time that they've been in the pennant race in September in 20 years," Wilner said.  "It's not exactly a top destination for a lot of free agents."

Click the audio player below to hear more from Wilner on the Martin signing.

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