Russell Martin is a terrific catcher and leader, but some are wondering about the Blue Jays‘ choice to sign him since they already had a fine starting catcher.
Dioner Navarro, the Blue Jays’ returning starter, is one of those people.
Navarro and the Blue Jays spoke after the big $82 million importing of Martin — who is being introduced in Toronto Thursday — and Navarro, understandably concerned about his opportunities to catch going forward, expressed an interest in being dealt.
The Jays responded by telling Navarro, who hit .274 with 12 home runs and 69 RBI, that they believe they could get him decent playing time between DH and catcher. Navarro, who’s to make $5 million this coming year, apparently prefers a full-time catching job, as he has worked his way back to become a full-time starter as well as a productive offensive player.
That’s why some wondered about the signing of Martin by the Jays, who currently have one or two outfield openings, an infield opening (either second base or third base) and a bullpen to rebuild. Martin is such a great leader he can be a culture changer, but catcher clearly wasn’t a need of Toronto’s.
There are said to be about three teams showing interest in Navarro.
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