Martinez accepted the Reds' $21.05 million qualifying offer for 2025 on Sunday, Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com reports.
The right-hander declined his $12 million player option with the Reds for 2025, but he'll remain with the organization after being extended the qualifying offer. Martinez started in 16 of his 42 appearances in 2024 and had a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 116:18 K:BB across 142.1 innings. Given the salary bump he should begin 2025 working exclusively as a starter.
Nick Martinez: Expected to accept qualifying offer
Rotowire
Martinez is expected to accept the Reds' one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
Martinez being extended a qualifying offer came as a bit of a surprise, and it sounds like the right-hander will happily accept the deal and return to Cincinnati. He held a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 116:18 K:BB over 142.1 innings for the Reds this year before declining his $12 million player option for 2025. Martinez split time between the rotation and bullpen for Cincinnati but would figure to be a full-time starter if he does indeed return to the Reds.
The Reds extended a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer to Martinez on Monday, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Wittenmyer hears that, before the offer was extended, the two sides engaged in talks regarding a multi-year extension "without gaining much traction." Martinez declined a $12 million player option last week after posting a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 116:18 K:BB over 142.1 innings in 2024. He could surely get more in total dollars on the open market, but locking in a $21.05 million salary for 2025 might be tempting for Martinez. If he rejects it, the Reds would receive a draft pick if the righty signs elsewhere.
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Nick Martinez: Officially opts out of deal
Rotowire
Martinez declined his $12 million player option for 2025 on Friday and became a free agent.
Martinez's 3.10 ERA and 1.03 WHIP from last season both represent personal bests for the 34-year-old as he pitched a career-high 142.1 innings. Cincinnati can still give him a $21 million qualifying offer, but the right-hander will likely pursue a multi-year deal in free agency.
Martinez is expected to exercise his option to opt out of his $12 million contract for 2025, C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic reports.
Martinez finished the season on a high note and did well overall in a hybrid starter/reliever role with Cincinnati. The Reds still can make a one-year qualifying offer for $21 million, but it's a good bet that Martinez will try to test the market and land a multi-year deal.
Martinez (10-7) took the loss Friday against the Cubs, allowing one run on five hits over eight innings. He struck out three without issuing a walk.
Martinez was excellent again Friday, allowing a lone fifth-inning run on a Miguel Amaya sacrifice fly. However, the right-hander would wind up with his first loss since Aug. 16 as the Reds couldn't crack Jameson Taillon in an eventual 1-0 defeat. Despite the unfortunate finish, Martinez was spectacular down the stretch, allowing just four earned runs over 32.2 innings in his final five outings. He'll wrap up the year with a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 116:18 K:BB across 142.1 innings.
Martinez (10-6) earned the win Friday over the Pirates, allowing just two hits across six scoreless innings. He struck out nine.
Martinez was excellent Friday, recording a season-high nine strikeouts. The right-hander has now won four consecutive starts, allowing just two earned runs across 24.2 innings in that span. Martinez's ERA is down to 3.22 this season with a 1.05 WHIP and 113:18 K:BB across 134.1 innings. Martinez is currently in line for a road matchup with the Cubs next week, as he'll look to wrap up a strong finish to the season.
