Let’s face it, Russell Martin’s 2018 season was one to forget. Having finished up the season with an almost unreal .194 batting average, Martin’s .663 OPS was the lowest of his 12-year major league career. He struck out 82 times in 289 at-bats and was an offensive liability whenever he was factored into the lineup.
The Blue Jays have, evidently, taken notice, as Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports reported in November that the team is willing to eat some of Martin’s salary in order to get a deal done. With Danny Jansen and Reese McGuire waiting in the wings, and a suddenly improved Luke Maile ready to take on 40 to 50 games in the regular season, Martin’s roster spot is clearly obsolete.