Blue Jays trade Martin to Dodgers

The Toronto Blue Jays traded catcher Russell Martin and cash considerations to the Los Angeles Dodgers for shortstop Ronny Brito and right-hander Andrew Sopko on Friday, the team announced.

Los Angeles will receive $16.4 million from Toronto to cover a significant portion of Martin's $20-million salary for 2019, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

The soon-to-be 36-year-old Martin spent the first five years of his career with the Dodgers, appearing in two All-Star Games and winning a Gold Glove during his tenure.

He hit just .194 for the Blue Jays last season, but still gets on base (.349 career OBP) and was a plus-7 in defensive runs saved at catcher in 2018. He'll pair with Austin Barnes behind the plate for L.A. after free agent Yasmani Grandal reportedly signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday.

Martin's departure means Toronto will likely feature a young catching tandem of Danny Jansen and Reese McGuire, although veteran Luke Maile should also be in the mix.

Brito, 19, is a Dominican-born infielder who spent last season in rookie ball. He hit .295/.359/.496 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs across two leagues.

The 24-year-old Sopko appeared in 26 games (22 starts) across Single-A and Double-A in 2018. He authored a 3.90 ERA in 117 2/3 innings while striking out 9.3 hitters per nine frames.