Reports: Russell Martin to sign with Toronto Blue Jays

PITTSBURGH — According to several credible baseball reporters, including Peter Gammons, the Toronto Blue Jays and Russell Martin have agreed on a contract.

https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/534390714827018240

Sources tell MLB on FOX reporter Ken Rosenthal the deal is believed to be worth $82 million over 5 years.

https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/534393303718834176

Martin declined the team's $15.3 million qualifying offer after helping Pittsburgh to consecutive playoff berths.

Last week, the Pirates acquired catcher Francisco Cervelli from the New York Yankees in exchange for reliever Justin Wilson.

Mainly a backup with the Yankees, the 28-year-old Cervelli batted .301 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 49 games last season.

The energetic Cervelli was once a backup to Martin with the Yankees.

The left-handed Wilson and his upper-90s (mph) fastball were a vital part of the Pirates' bullpen this year. He went 3-4 with a 4.20 ERA in 70 appearances, striking out 61 in 60 innings.

Cervelli is a .278 career hitter who has been slowed by various injuries throughout his career. He also served a 50-game suspension in 2013 for his role in the Biogenesis drug scandal.

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