Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, says that catcher Victor Martinez and the Boston Red Sox have not opened negotiations on a contract extension despite Martinez’s eligibility for free agency after this season. Martinez has publicly declared his desire to remain with the Red Sox.

“It’s nice that Victor says he wants to stay with the Red Sox,” agent Alan Nero said, “but in reality it doesn’t really change anything. The reality is that the Red Sox are going to have to want him. They’re going to have to be willing to pay for value to get value.”

If Minnesota Twin’s catcher Joe Mauer re-signs, Martinez will be the number one free agent catcher on the market after the 2010 season.

Martinez was quoted by ESPN saying, “I don’t really want to be a free agent. If they give me a chance to be a free agent, I don’t know what’s going to happen.” The catcher does not want to negotiate an extension beyond Spring Training. He’s open to talking only before the season starts.

Martinez is scheduled to be paid $7.7 million in 2010. He is a lifetime .299 hitter in 8 seasons with the Indians and Red Sox. You can see Martinez’s contract history and statistics here.