Blue Jays trade Canadian catcher Russell Martin to Dodgers

The Toronto Blue Jays have lost another fan favourite, as Russell Martin has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for a pair of prospects.

OFFICIAL: We've acquired SS Ronny Brito and RHP Andrew Sopko from the @Dodgers in exchange for C Russell Martin and cash considerations. pic.twitter.com/KWr73sraR5

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) January 11, 2019

The Blue Jays are expected to pay a significant portion of Martin’s $20 million salary owed in 2019. Martin signed a five-year $82 million contract with the Blue Jays after the 2014 season.

With the Blue Jays looking to get younger as a rebuilding team, the 35-year-old didn’t fit into their plans. Martin’s best days are clearly behind him, with his offensive numbers declining in each of his four seasons in Toronto. Last year he batted .194 with 10 home runs, 25 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .338.

See also

• Russell Martin's exit signals end of an era for Blue Jays
• Bette Midler roasts Toronto Blue Jays management
• Did the Blue Jays cut ties with Troy Tulowitzki too soon?

Toronto receives a pair of minor leaguers, 19-year old shortstop Ronny Brito and 24-year-old pitcher Andrew Sopko, in return.

Brito is 19 and hit .295/.359/.496 in 61 games with the DSL Dodgers and rookie-ball Ogden.

Sopko is 24 and split last season between high-A Rancho Cucamonga and double-A Tulsa, posting a cumulative 3.52 ERA over 117.2 innings with 121 Ks.

— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) January 11, 2019

“I want to thank the Blue Jays organization from top to bottom for the opportunity to play in my home country for the last four years. It was truly an amazing ride,” said Martin in a statement posted on social media Friday. “I’ll miss this great team and staff.”

The trade to Los Angeles is a homecoming of sorts for Martin, who began his career with the Dodgers in 2006. The Montreal-born catcher has played 1610 games his 13-year MLB career with the Dodgers, Yankees, Pirates, and Blue Jays.

“I am now looking forward to being back with the Dodgers where it all began for me. I would like to extend a very special thanks to the Toronto fans that followed me every step of the way. I am truly grateful for your continued support.”

Russell Martin's rankings among Blue Jays catchers all-time:
wRC+: 103 (1st)
DRS: 21 (1st)
WAR: 8.0 (2nd)
HR: 66 (2nd)
R: 224 (2nd)
OBP: 336 (2nd)

— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) January 11, 2019

Martin is the latest core player from Blue Jays playoff teams in 2015 and 2016 to leave town. Troy Tulowitzki was bought out of his contract last month, while Josh Donaldson was traded in August. Both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion left as free agents after the 2016 and 2015 seasons, respectively.