The Pittsburgh Pirates have a philosophy of not allocating more than 18 percent of their payroll to one player, but may rethink the strategy with Russell Martin headed to free agency.

Neal Huntington said the Pirates are prepared to "stretch beyond our normal comfort zone" in order to retain the catcher.

Martin is enjoying a career-year, having entered Wednesday's game hitting .294/.405/.437.

He is one of just four Major League players with at least 400 plate appearances and an OBP above .400, joining Jose Bautista, Victor Martinez and Andrew McCutchen.