Martin, Liriano nix qualifying offers from Pirates
Pittsburgh's Russell Martin walks to the dugout after striking out against the St. Louis Cardinals in the third inning of Game 1 of the National League Division Series. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Pitcher Francisco Liriano has a 23-18 record in two seasons with the Pirates. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
PITTSBURGH – Russell Martin and Francisco Liriano are going to test the market.
Martin and Liriano declined $15.3 million qualifying offers from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, meaning Pittsburgh will receive a compensatory draft pick if they sign a major league contract elsewhere before the amateur draft in June.
Pirates general manager Neal Huntington says the team is “open” to a potential return by both players.
Martin figures to be in high demand coming off one of the finest seasons of his career. The 31-year-old catcher hit .290 with 11 homers and 67 RBIs while also helping Pittsburgh’s pitching staff guide the Pirates to a second straight playoff berth.
Liriano went 23-18 with a 3.20 ERA in two seasons in Pittsburgh. The left-hander went 4-0 with a 1.16 ERA this September as Pittsburgh earned a wild-card spot.