Russell Martin’s deal with the Yankees could be worth as much $5.4 million

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Russell Martin’s contract with the New York Yankees could be worth as much as $5.4 million, according to a baseball source who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the one-year deal hasn’t been officially announced.

Martin will be paid a base salary of $4 million and can earn another $1.4 million in incentives based on the number of games caught.

To maximize the value of the contract, Martin will have to appear in 120 games behind the plate.

Before declining to tender Martin a contract and making him a free agent, the Dodgers offered him a contract that included a $4.2-million base salary. The proposal included $1.1 million in incentives based on games started -– not games appeared -– and to receive the maximum amount, Martin would have had to start 140 games.

Had Martin accepted the Dodgers’ offer and started 120 games next season, he would have earned $4.8 million.

Martin passed a physical exam Tuesday. Finishing touches are being put on the deal, which is expected to be announced by the end of the week.

-- Dylan Hernandez