Russell Martin to Blue Jays: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Russell Martin figured to be in line for a big payday after a tremendous 2014 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and now he has it. 

Longtime MLB writer Peter Gammons first reported Martin and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to "McCann money," before Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal and MLBRosterMoves supported Gammons' report with financial details:

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman provided a further breakdown of Martin's contract:

Scott Miller of Bleacher Report weighed in on Martin's move to Toronto:

After Martin rejected the Pirates' $15.3 million qualifying offer for 2015, it became apparent he was going to seek something closer to the range of the five-year, $85 million contract Brian McCann signed with the New York Yankees last winter.  

In 2014, the 31-year-old enjoyed his best season at the plate since 2007. The counting numbers (11 home runs, 67 RBI, 45 runs scored) may not be overwhelming because he played in just 111 games. However, among all catchers with at least 400 plate appearances, he finished third in batting average (.290), first in on-base percentage (.402) and seventh in slugging percentage (.430).

That's just icing on the cake for someone who is regarded as one of the best defensive catchers in the majors.

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Martin showcases an impressive blend of a strong arm and rare athleticism behind the plate. Last year, he threw out a league-high 37 potential base-stealers and allowed only three passed balls in 940.2 innings.

"We measure balls blocked in the dirt, and he is as good as any catcher I've ever been around at that," manager Clint Hurdle said, via MLB.com's Tom Singer. "He's fantastic."

If advanced statistics are more to your liking, Martin passes the test there as well. He finished first among all catchers in defensive runs saved with 12, his second consecutive season in double-digits.

Contracts this pricey and lengthy for 31-year-olds will always carry some kind of risk. But Martin has proven to be one of the best all-around players at one of baseball's most premier positions.

Whether a player lives up to his monetary value is always difficult to judge, but one thing is clear: Martin makes the Blue Jays a better team. Toronto will be hoping that Martin's all-around game can help push the franchise into contention, especially in a competitive division.

And that's the goal of every ball club, every winter.