Alex Anthopoulos was thrilled that the Toronto Blue Jays were able to sign Russell Martin, who he worked hard to court as a free agent.

The Blue Jays signed the veteran catcher to a five-year, $82 million deal.

Martin said Anthopoulos "touched on every angle," including the chance for the Canadian to play in his home nation.

"I've never been as comfortable with a signing as I've been with this one, just because of everything he brings," Anthopoulos said. "This was more work than I've ever done. A lot of miles in the car, flights, a lot of time on the phone, a lot of days away from home sitting in the office. Definitely the hardest I've ever worked on pursuing a free agent."