Report: Cubs emerge as favorite to sign Russell Martin

The Chicago Cubs could have a three-time All-Star behind the plate after the club reportedly wrapped up this week's general managers' meetings as the favorites to sign catcher Russell Martin, according to Gordon Wittenmeyer of the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Cubs are one of four clubs linked to the 31-year-old free agent who's reportedly seeking a five-year contract worth between $75-80 million, but it remains unclear if the other teams have both the resources and inclination to sign him.

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly eyeing Martin, a native Canadian, but general manager Alex Anthopoulous has yet to hand out a deal longer than three years to any free agent in his five seasons at the helm. Though the Pirates have stated their desire to re-sign Martin after two impressive seasons in Pittsburgh, the club likely lacks the finances to make him a competitive offer and recently acquired Francisco Cervelli from the New York Yankees, ostensibly addressing their vacancy behind the plate.

A possible reunion between Martin and the Los Angeles Dodgers remains plausible, but Jon Heyman of CBS Sports suggested Thursday that the club may not share Martin's interest in rekindling that relationship.

As such, the Cubs appear to be in a favorable position to land Martin as their organizational renaissance continues, just weeks after the club signed manager Joe Maddon to a five-year deal.

“They’re making moves that are designed to help the team be competitive now,” agent Scott Boras said. “If any fan base deserves a ‘now’ and not a ‘tomorrow,’ I’d say it’s the ­Chicago Cubs, and they’ve said they’re ­going to do that.”