Blue Jays' Russell Martin: Struggles in first half of 2016

Martin hit .228/.314/.341 in 246 at-bats during the first half of the 2016 season.

Analysis:

Considering he didn't break .200 until June 9, it's amazing that Martin even managed the average he did prior to the Midsummer Classic. In his first 10 MLB seasons, Martin never had a contact rate below 75 percent, however this year it sits at a terrible 66 percent due to a career-worst 29.6-percent strikeout rate. Although his value certainly dipped with his dreadful play, it's hard to bypass the fact that he has no competition for the starting gig and ranks seventh among catchers with 284 plate appearance this season. It's hard to believe the 33-year-old could be any worse in the second half of 2016, and he did show signs of life before hitting the break. Martin hit safely in eight of his last nine starts, going 13-for-39 (.333) with eight RBI and eight runs during that stretch.