There was no doubt that Russell Martin was going to be behind home plate for the Dodgers and Jonathan Broxton would likely be throwing to him to close out games this season. The only question was how bit a raise they were going to get to do that.
How does nearly 800% sound? Not many companies are giving those kinds of raises out these days.
Martin will make $3.9 million in a one-year-deal, a pretty healthy bump from the $500,000 he made last season.
Martin, entering his fourth season with the Dodgers, had wanted a multi-year deal, but apparently all sides enjoyed the negotiations so much they want to do it again next winter. Martin hit .280 with 13 home runs last season (down slightly from the year before) and hit .308 against the Cubs in the first round of the playffs.
Broxton’s deal is a little more complex, a $1.85 million contract that is laden with incentives sp that Broxton will make more than $2 million if he can cement himself into the closer’s role. Again that is a nice raise for a guy who made $454,000 last season.
Primarly Broxton was the set-up man last season, but when he got his first shot at closer he earned 13 saves in his first 15 tries. He finished the season with 14 saves and looked impressive against the Cubs in the playoffs, with three shutout innings, but gave up three earned runs in 2.1 innings against the Phillies.
These signings leave Andre Ethier alone out on the street, the only arbitration-eligible Dodger still negotiating.
