The Pittsburgh Pirates have given qualifying offers of $15.3 million each to Russell Martin and Francisco Liriano.
Martin — who is the best catcher on the free agent market — posted a slash line of .290/.430/.832 with 11 home runs, 20 doubles and 67 RBI in 460 plate appearances. He struck out only 78 times which is second-lowest in his nine year career.
Martin is a finalist for a gold glove award at catcher thanks to another solid season behind the plate posting a .994 fielding percentage while throwing out 39 percent of runners attempting to steal.
Liriano — who finished the 2014 season strong after battling injuries early in the season — could find himself on another club as a No. 3 starter with a solid contract after reestablishing himself as a solid starter under the tutelage of pitching coach Ray Searage.
Liriano posted a 7-10 record in 29 starts after starting the season 1-7 while battling an oblique injury. He finished the season with a 3.38 ERA while striking out 175 in 162 1/3 innings pitched.
Martin and Liriano has one week to either accept the offer or reject it. However, they are still able to negotiate a contract with the Pirates and other organizations if they reject the offer.
Edinson Volquez — who is the team’s other major free agent — was not extended a qualifying offer.
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