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

[JCM11]

Interesting that Tito was doing some recruiting to keep Martinez. I wonder how much sway he could have on talking some guys to come to Cincy over the next few years? Obviously $ talks, but Tito is a HOF manager and I think he'll be a positive in the recruiting aspect of getting players to sign.

[Mitri]

https://bsky.app/profile/msheldon.bs.../3lbaletqjn22r

Interesting, because I read something from Wittermeyer that the long-term deal talks were done. Wittermeyer, the Cubs fan, is kind of a hack; feels like most of Redszone could do better than the crap he churns out.

[Kingspoint]

Interesting, because I read something from Wittermeyer that the long-term deal talks were done. Wittermeyer, the Cubs fan, is kind of a hack; feels like most of Redszone could do better than the crap he churns out.

Exactly. Since when can a player not at least "listen". It's not like he's got anything else to do during the Winter.

[Kingspoint]

I don't think anyone is saying the OF isn't a need. The OF was 26th of 30 teams production-wise in 2024. It has to improve. We're ignoring the fact that 3B was 29th. 1B was 30th as was DH.

When I look at the roster, I could easily see the OF becoming more productive with rebounds from Steer and Friedl. I also think Candy will rebound and improve production at 1B. I can't really say the same at 3B though Candy could improve that also, but if we're adding a player, keeping Candy off of 3B should be one of the team's goals. Since the Reds are stuck with multiple options at 1B, 3B seems like the best place to add IMO. DH would improve by moving India there with McLain's return. 3B seems like a clear need and is just as urgent.

I think the OF needs a long-term centerpiece. Even if Friedl and Fraley bounce back, they probably aren't long term pieces. I think they should focus on 3B for 2025 production and add a longer term prospect for OF while relying on Steer and Friedl to bounce back to 2023 levels.

I think the way to get that is by trading Abbott, which is Why I'm glad they signed Martinez and I hope they sign another pitcher.

Cannot emphasize this enough. As optimistic as the next paragraph states about the "potential" to fix some of the major issues at 5 of 8 positions Offensively AND Defensively, there can't be more than a 50% chance of it happening internally. Quality outside help is needed, or else the REDS will continue to lose as many games as last season when they failed to score more than 2 runs in a game. No amount of pitching is going to change that. The Offense and Defense has to be given a major boost.

[JFLegal]

Interesting, because I read something from Wittermeyer that the long-term deal talks were done. Wittermeyer, the Cubs fan, is kind of a hack; feels like most of Redszone could do better than the crap he churns out.

That's on the Enquirer's editor and publisher. Having a Cubs fan as Reds' writer for the only Cincinnati newspaper is hilariously bad business. And it would be one thing if he was a Cubs fan behind closed doors. Fine. But this jabroni actually hosts a Cubs podcast.

[Kc61]

Exactly. Since when can a player not at least "listen". It's not like he's got anything else to do during the Winter.

Listen to what? You think Reds are going to offer another $20 million for 2026?

[Kingspoint]

I don't think they say good-bye to Espinal AND Fairchild until they at least take a week to see if they can get Martinez signed to a multiple-year contract and reduce his 2025 cost (while improving the 2026 pitching potential overall for the team).

[Kingspoint]

Listen to what? You think Reds are going to offer another $20 million for 2026?

As explained in several different ways in this thread over the last three weeks, there are several scenarios that would be appealing to Martinez that has nothing to do with what you are suggesting. I know you read them and are intentionally ignoring them so I'm going to make you go look them up again rather than to respond to this screaming hyperbole.

[Slyder]

Whats the odds at the deadline Martinez can be 2024 Alfredo Simon or Dan Straily and bring us the next Eugenio Suarez and Luis Castillo?

[Alpha Zero]

Whats the odds at the deadline Martinez can be 2024 Alfredo Simon and bring us the next Luis Castillo?

Dan Straily turned into Castillo; Simon turned into Suarez. But a nice thought all the same to hit the prospect jackpot with a rental if the Reds’ 2025 season goes south early.

[Kc61]

I don't think they say good-bye to Espinal AND Fairchild until they at least take a week to see if they can get Martinez signed to a multiple-year contract and reduce his 2025 cost (while improving the 2026 pitching potential overall for the team).

I’m sure Boras is very ginned up for a deal that cuts his client’s 2025 pay.

I guess anything can happen in this world, but I wouldn’t hold my breath.

[Slyder]

Dan Straily turned into Castillo; Simon turned into Suarez. But a nice thought all the same to hit the prospect jackpot with a rental if the Reds’ 2025 season goes south early.

Thats right, I forgot about Straily!

[JFLegal]

Been thinking about this and overall I like it from the Reds' perspective. I realize I initially said I hoped Martinez would turn down the QO, but there were many factors at play.

* If he would have picked up the $14M player option, we would have all been lauding it as a bargain for the Reds.

* If he was an unrestricted free agent (no QO) and only got a 1-year deal, I imagine it would have been around $18M. Seems like market value for a pitcher of his ilk in this market.

* And if that was his market value, I imagine he would have signed with someone else over the Reds if his best offer was 1/18.

* So, paying perhaps $3M more than market value (IMO) will prove to be a wise decision by the Reds. They were going to use that $21M (or right around there) on a pitcher, and I'm not sure a better pitcher than Martinez would have signed with the Reds for that amount. Hell, the Reds paid Montas $16M just this past season. If they were looking to round out the rotation, it was going to cost a lot.

[backbencher]

IÂ’m sure Boras is very ginned up for a deal that cuts his clientÂ’s 2025 pay.

I guess anything can happen in this world, but I wouldnÂ’t hold my breath.

It's plausible. Martinez has a journeyman's career, may like some additional certainty, knows that he is coming off career highs and is valued more by the Reds than by any other team in the game. Has market data based on his FA time before signing the QO. Can see that a Jordan Montgomery, e.g., can lose a lot of value in one season. Also is at an age where a TJ could be the end of the line. After last off-season, Boras has some incentive to show that he listens to players' interests other than just top dollar. Boras also knows that Martinez is not likely to get 3 years after 2025, anyway.

Agree it's unlikely, certainly do not expect a 2 or 3 year deal. Not holding breath. But plausible.