Catching the Future

Yesterday afternoon at around 3, Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York , letting us know that the Yankees and catcher are working on a possible contract extension. Marchand’s full story on the matter can be found here. Earlier this week, we heard that Russ and the Bombers had been discussing a three year contract. This idea is also something I discussed back in December.

After I wrote this yesterday afternoon, both and (h/t RAB for the Heyman link) said that the talks weren’t all that far along. Still, it’s worth touching on here.

Without Jesus Montero in the organization anymore, it may stand that for the next few years, Russell Martin is the best option at catcher for the Yankees. is a fine back up, but most certainly not a starter. may be knocking on the door soon, but if the Yankees are talking to Martin about an extension, we have myriad reasons to question their commitment to Romine. If there is another conclusion we can draw from this, and it’s one that’s a while off, it’s that the Yankees are probably looking past Romine and towards Gary Sanchez. That may be a tad presumptuous of me, though. After all, the Yankees could extend Martin, ditch Cervelli, and use Romine as the backup in the years to come, then transition him to the starting role. But, by then, Sanchez could be ready to join the club and do his thing.

If we stick to the present and immediate future, though, this is a move that makes sense. Martin is clearly better than Cervelli and Romine, and the Yankees like him (and for good reason). The pitchers seem to want to throw to him, he can hit well enough for a catcher, and is by reputation and numbers, a good defensive player. He’s well-liked by fans to boot. I’m all for locking Russell up.