Potential Dodgers Free Agent Target Nick Martinez Signs With NL Central Squad
Free agent pitcher Nick Martinez has signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Martinez was linked to the Dodgers as a potential free agent signing, but instead is joining the Reds on a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year.
Right-hander Nick Martinez and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a two-year, $26 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first year, sources tell ESPN. Martinez, 33, opted out of the last two years and $16 million of his deal with San Diego to reach free agency.
Martinez initially debuted in the Majors back in 2014 with the Texas Rangers, but struggled mightily over the first four years of his career. He then went to Japan, where he spent four seasons before coming back to the MLB and joining the San Diego Padres.
In San Diego, Martinez was able to revitalize his career as a hybrid starter and reliever. Martinez made 110 appearances over the last two seasons, starting 19 games and sporting a 3.45 ERA with 201 strikeouts.
Last year, Martinez had a solid 3.43 ERA in 110.1 innings, earning himself a solid payday in free agency.
The Dodgers were linked to Martinez as they value versatility, but instead, he joins the Reds who have been one of the many teams looking for starting pitching this offseason.
Martinez joins the likes of Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, Luis Severino and former Dodger Lance Lynn as free agent starting pitchers to find new homes this offseason.
The Dodgers are yet to get involved in the starting pitching market, but have been heavily linked to Yoshinobu Yamamoto and even Martinez’s teammate in San Diego, Blake Snell.
