Toronto Blue Jays trade Russell Martin to L.A. Dodgers for prospects

The Toronto Blue Jays have traded catcher Russell Martin to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Blue Jays confirmed Friday.

Martin, a four-time all-star from Chelsea, Que., spent the past four seasons with the Blue Jays, batting .225 with 66 home runs and 211 runs batted in over that span. Toronto receives minor leaguers Andrew Sopko, a right-hander, and Ronny Brito, an infielder.

Rogers Sportsnet estimated the Blue Jays will send the Dodgers $16 million to $18 million US to defray the $20 million Martin is owed in 2019. He signed a five-year, $82 million deal with the Blue Jays in 2014. Martin played for the Dodgers from 2006-10.

Brito, who will turn 20 in March, ranked 23rd among Dodgers prospects, according to MLB Pipeline. In rookie ball last season, he hit .295 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs.

Sopko, 24, divided last season between High-A and Double-A teams. He had a combined 6-5 record and a 3.52 ERA in 117 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 121 batters and walked 27.