MLB insider predicts AL contender to steal Reds' pitcher Nick Martinez in free agency

While the consensus seems to be that Nick Martinez won’t be returning to the Cincinnati Reds in 2025, uncertainty still surrounds his ultimate destination. His strong season, which concluded with an NL Pitcher of the Month Award, likely caught the eye of a number of contenders, but MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic (subscription required) paired the veteran right-hander with an AL team that hopes to build on 2024’s surprising success.

Bowden predicts that Martinez will land with the Detroit Tigers, who made a remarkable march to the postseason even after trading standout pitcher Jack Flaherty to the Dodgers at the deadline. Both teams got what they wanted. Flaherty put in a commanding performance in Game 1 of the World Series (less so in Game 5), and the Tigers received two prospects for a player now entering free agency.

Former Reds pitcher Nick Martinez would be a boost for a Tigers team in need of versatility and veteran leadership

The Tigers snuck into the postseason as the third AL Wild Card team on the strength of a 34-19 record in August and September. AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal enjoyed a star-making season, but many of his rotation-mates struggled. As of now, the Tigers’ projected rotation for 2025 features Casey Mize, who had a 1.466 WHIP in 2024, and youngsters Keider Montero and Reese Olson. At some point, top prospect Jackson Jobe will join the big club, but he has pitched just 13 innings above Double-A. They need veteran support.

Martinez could fit the bill, and his versatility would play into the Tigers’ style. Montero and Kenta Maeda spent time in both the rotation and the bullpen for Detroit in 2024, and reliever Beau Brieske racked up a dozen starts and game-ending appearances. Martinez played a similar role with the Reds; he finished the season with 16 games started, 3 games finished, and 42 appearances in all.

Martinez also proved to be durable, pitching 142 ⅓ innings this season. For the Tigers, only one pitcher surpassed that total: Skubal. If Martinez joined the squad, he could hold down the rotation until Jobe arrives and then slide into a pivotal bullpen role for the stretch run.

At least if Martinez joins an AL squad, Reds fans can more or less avoid the sure-to-be-painful sight of their former starter.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors