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Free agents Martin, Liriano decline Pirates

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.

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