Pittsburgh Pirates' Russell Martin runs after hitting a one-run double against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning of a baseball game on Friday, June 7, 2013, in Chicago.The Associated Press
Canadian catcher Russell Martin has agreed to terms on a new contract with the Toronto Blue Jays according to unconfirmed reports.
According to various reports, the 31-year-old Martin has inked a five-year deal worth in the vicinity of $85-million (U.S.).
If the reports are true, Martin would be Toronto's first significant off-season free-agent signing.
The top catcher on the open market, the Blue Jays will also have to surrender their first-round draft pick to the Pittsburgh Pirates as compensation for the signing.
Last season with the Pirates, Martin hit .290 with 11 home runs and 67 runs batted in with a .354 on-base percentage.
A three-time Major League all-star, Martin – who was born in Toronto and raised in Montreal - played in 111 games with the Pirates, 107 of them behind the plate.
Martin's arrival will create a bit of a log-jam at catcher for the Blue Jays, who also have incumbent Dioner Navarro slated to return for the 2015 season.