Nick Martinez Open To Staying In Cincinnati, Undecided On Opt-Out Clause

[Ron Madden]

Nick Martinez Open To Staying In Cincinnati, Undecided On Opt-Out Clause

Right-hander Nick Martinez is putting the finishing touches on a terrific first season with the Reds, having thus far compiled 134 1/3 innings of 3.22 ERA ball with a 20.8% strikeout rate and superlative 3.3% walk rate.
He’s signed through the 2025 season and slated to earn $12MM next season but has the right to opt out of the second season of his two-year, $26MM contract and test free agency for what would be a fourth straight offseason.

The 34-year-old righty recently told MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon that he hasn’t made a decision or spoken with agent Scott Boras about his contract status while simultaneously expressing love for the Reds’ clubhouse and speaking fondly of his time in the organization.
Martinez plainly stated that in spite of the opt-out opportunity, his mindset upon signing was that he was going to be in Cincinnati for multiple years. He’s bounced between starting and a variety of bullpen roles and said he’s on board with how he’s been used.

A two- or even three-year deal should be available to Martinez this offseason, although the Reds will have some time to ponder a potential multi-year deal to keep the versatile righty from reaching free agency at all.
Martinez opined that the Reds have the pieces in place to ascend to playoff contention next year and spoke glowingly about his teammates.

Continue Reading Here:
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/...n-re-sign.html

[redsfan9988]

I’d love to have Martinez back…

But he’s going to opt out and probably get $40MM+ on the market.

I LOVE the walk rate. I think he’s shown recently that he can stick in the rotation for at least half a year or so. He’s gonna end up at 140 innings.

I’m thinking he opts out and leaves and we get nothing. That scenario is the leader in the clubhouse.

[JCM11]

Martinez is 34 he would be dumb not to opt out and go for a multi year deal, and this might be his last chance at one. I don't see the Reds handing out a multi year deal to a SP with Petty and Burns on the way and Lowder looking good in MLB. It'll be a one year stop gap guy if they add a SP. If they offered Martinez the 21 million QO then he might have something to think about.

[redsfan39]

Boras client, he'll get paid. Get a guaranteed starting spot from some team willing to pay him for 3 years. I'm not expecting him back, but would love to be wrong about that. He is the pitcher I wanted the Reds to sign going into the offseason last year. A veteran who you can rely on to eat innings. He has been incredible since May. Junis has a mutual option. What he has done for the Reds since the trade has been a blessing.

[RedsManRick]

I imagine he'll get 3/60 from somebody. Won't be us.

[Dave C]

He's playing the game... he had a great year after his mid-career mark. What he does this offseason will effect his great grandkids if he does it right. Here or somewhere else he's opting out given the insane finances of MLB and the lack of pitchers who know out to pitch.

[redsfan9988]

I imagine he'll get 3/60 from somebody. Won't be us.

2/40 for sure with a team option for a third year.

He might be able to swing 3/45 - but frankly, he might prefer 2/40.

I would give him 2/40 for the record.

[KeefeCato]

2/40 for sure with a team option for a third year.

He might be able to swing 3/45 - but frankly, he might prefer 2/40.

I would give him 2/40 for the record.

I predicted he would get 3/60 a few days ago. The France/Espinal lover told me I was insane stupid etc. That in no world would Martinez get 20 mil per year. And I needed help and that Bill James would help him.

[Wayne Krivsky]

I'd be shocked if he isn't gone. He's 34 years old so this could be his last chance at a big payday. The Reds would also be foolish to pay someone his age big money on a multi year deal. They need to focus on finding the next Nick Martinez instead of giving the current one a raise. This is exactly why I hate that the Reds try to play both sides of the trade deadline.

[mgbrown66]

No way he stays.

[westofyou]

His agent is Boros, he's 33-years-old and just doubled his WAR from last season on a team that won't promise him a starting slot

He will be rocking on another mound next year

[cumberlandreds]

No way he stays. He's just saying the popular line to look good. He wants to be paid and he knows he won't get it in Cincinnati.

[Ron Madden]

ANOTHER LOST REDS SEASON DRAWS TO A CLOSE

Nick Martinez has a $12 million player option for next season, but if he wanted to bet on himself Martinez will decline that option and try to get a bigger payday on the free agent market.

And we know the Reds won’t try to actually pay market value for a player if they don’t have to.

Good luck, Nick, and Godspeed.

https://www.cincinnatimagazine.com/a...ws-to-a-close/

[TRF]

It's an interesting statement to the press. He's telling teams maybe very publicly. Teams need to come with a briefcase of cash with a higher AAV than next season's money if he stays. I think 3/$45 sounds right with the third year an option thing.

[Ron Madden]

It's an interesting statement to the press. He's telling teams maybe very publicly. Teams need to come with a briefcase of cash with a higher AAV than next season's money

Agreed