Mets Hot Stove watch: Russell Martin, Francisco Cervelli reportedly hit trade market

Plenty of catchers available for Mets to pursue

11/29/2018, 4:07 AM
Aug 27, 2018; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Russell Martin (55) double during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports / Tommy Gilligan
Aug 27, 2018; Baltimore, MD, USA; Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Russell Martin (55) double during the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports / Tommy Gilligan

The catching market just gained a little more intrigue this offseason. 

The Blue Jays' Russell Martin and Pirates' Francisco Cervelli are both for sale and drawing interest from several teams, according to Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan. 

Martin and Cervelli join a crowded catcher's market, which includes free agents Yasmani Grandal, Wilson Ramos, Martin Maldonado, Robinson Chirinos, Evan Gattis, Matt Wieters, Devin Mesoraco and Jonathan Lucroy. 

Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto has also made it clear he wants out of Miami while the Indians have made Yan Gomes available. 

Meanwhile, Kurt Suzuki, Brian McCann and Jeff Mathis are catchers that are already off the market. 

The Mets are among teams looking to upgrade at catcher, already discussing a potential deal with the Indians for Gomes and have been linked to several others. 

The Mets still must decide whether or not to non-tender Travis d'Arnaud but their interest in adding a catcher is evident and Martin and Cervelli are two more potential candidates on a long list of options. 

Both Martin, who will be 36 by Opening Day, and Cervelli, who will be 33, have one year remaining in their respective deals, but per Passan, the Blue Jays would be willing to take on a significant chunk of the $20 million Martin is owed. Cervelli is due $11.5 million. 

Martin played in just 90 games last season and hit .194/.338/.325 with 10 home runs and 25 RBI. He also played some third base last year, as well as three games at shortstop and one game in the outfield. 

Cervelli played in 104 games and hit .259/.378/..431 with 12 home runs and 57 RBI. 

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