This, really, should surprise nobody. Martin is, by far, the best free-agent catcher available, and the Cubs began their aggressive offseason by hiring Joe Maddon as their manager. Maddon, of course, is very familiar with Martin from Martin’s time as the Yankees’ catcher while Maddon managed the Rays.
In that report, writer Bruce Levine says the Cubs “rolled out the red carpet” in a Thursday meeting with Martin.
Martin hit .290 with a .832 OPS for the Pirates in 2014, his best offensive season since 2007. Add that to stellar defense behind the plate and Martin is one of the top offseason priorities for several teams.
