Blue Jays: What’s left on Ross Atkins’ offseason checklist?

Trade Russell Martin

This article is made up of stuff that I feel that the Blue Jays NEED to do before the offseason is over, and that includes finding a trade partner for Russell Martin.

I’ve said it many times, I believe that the Canadian catcher could offer plenty of value to the Blue Jays in 2019, I just think that both parties would be better off if they went their separate ways now instead of waiting another year. The Blue Jays have a pair of young catchers in Danny Jansen and Reese McGuire that need to see regular playing time this season, and Martin deserves to see the field on a regular basis as well. There just simply isn’t enough playing time to go around with him still on the roster.

Much like the Troy Tulowitzki situation, the Blue Jays would be better off by spending money to make Martin go away. It’s not at the same level, as they should be able to find a trade partner as long as they’re willing to eat some or most of his 20 million dollar salary, but they do need to eat some money in order to make it happen. I would never suggest they should outright cut him, as I don’t think it’s at that point at all, but it would be better for both parties if they could find a way to amiably split before Opening Day. Martin deserves to get the chance to start more often than the Blue Jays can offer him, especially as he nears the end of a successful MLB career.

There are a still few teams in need of catching upgrades, but it’s possible that the situation won’t really move until the Marlins decide if and where they are going to trade J.T. Realmuto. As the prize of the potential catching market, teams could view Martin as a fall back option, and understandably so. Still, he should be able to provide enough value to warrant being a starting catcher in 2019, and the Blue Jays have plenty of motivation to find him another home, and hopefully a chance to chase a championship. .