Report: Blue Jays sign Russell Martin to 5-year, $82M deal

The Toronto Blue Jays made a major splash on Monday by reportedly signing catcher Russell Martin to a five-year, $82 million deal, according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. 

While the Chicago Cubs emerged as the favourite to sign the 31-year-old prior to the weekend, Toronto's ability to offer a fifth year of term is what reportedly led to Martin agreeing to sign. He did not receive a no-trade clause. 

The deal represents the biggest contract general manager Alex Anthopoulos has given to a free agent - surpassing the two-year, $16 million contract he signed Melky Cabrera to ahead of the 2013 season. 

Martin, who was born in Toronto and grew up in Chelsea, Que., rejected a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates, meaning the Blue Jays will be subject to surrendering a draft pick for signing the three-time All-Star. However, they'll receive a pick back should Cabrera sign elsewhere. 

In 111 games last season, Martin slashed .290/.402/.430 with 11 home runs and 67 RBIs while posting a career-high 140 wRC+ - the third highest mark among catchers. 

The deal is a significant upgrade for Martin, who is coming off a two-year, $17 million contract with the Pirates that he signed in 2012. 

Toronto agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with catcher Dioner Navarro ahead of last year and could opt to trade the 30-year-old after a solid season.