Reds Offer $21M Qualifying Extension to RHP Nick Martinez: Report
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Cincinnati Reds are preparing to offer right-hander Nick Martinez a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying deal. Martinez, who became a free agent after the 2024 season, had signed with the Reds before the start of the season.
The contract initially included a player option for 2025, but Martinez recently declined it. The 34-year-old spent most of the past season in the bullpen, but injuries to the rotation allowed him to become a starter exclusively on August 5. In 11 starts, he had a 2.42 ERA and a 5-2 record. Overall, he finished the season with a 10-7 record and a 3.10 ERA in 42 appearances, including 16 starts.
If Martinez accepts the qualifying offer, he will earn more than his previous one-year high of $14 million from last season. His declined option for 2025 was worth $12 million.
However, if Martinez declines the offer, the Reds will receive a compensation draft pick at the end of the first round in the 2025 draft.
Throughout his seven-year career in the major leagues, Martinez has played for the Texas Rangers (2014-2017), San Diego Padres (2022-2023), and the Reds. In 240 appearances, including 103 starts, he has a record of 37-45 and a 4.09 ERA. He also played in Japan from 2018-2021 for the Nippon Ham Fighters and the Softbank Hawks.
