Once-clutch Reds slugger resurfaces with A’s in career-saving move

Nick Martini had his fair share of viral moments during his career with the Cincinnati Reds. During the team's 2023 late-season run, it was Martini who came up clutch on multiple occasions. The slugger then etched his name into Reds Opening Day lore with two home runs during Cincinnati's opener last season.

Martini was released this past offseason and signed on with the Colorado Rockies. As he did with the Reds, Martini was looking to latch on with a rebuilding team in need of a veteran bat. There aren't many teams who are as short on big-league talent as the Rockies.

But Colorado cut ties with Martini earlier this week. Thankfully, the former Reds fan-favorite found a safe spot to land after signing a contract with the Athletics. According to the A's transaction log, Martini inked a minor-league deal. The A's, much like the Rockies, are in the midst of a rebuild.

Ex-Reds slugger Nick Martini resurfaces with A’s in career-saving move

Martini, 34, may be staring down his final chance to remain relevant in the big leagues. Much like he did with the Reds in 2023, Martini will have to prove himself to the A's brass by finding success in the minor leagues.

Ironically enough, the A's minor-league affiliate plays in Las Vegas — the future home of the Athletics' organization. The team left Oakland last season and are playing their home games in Sacramento, California. The amenities don't necessarily match that of a major league ballpark, but Sutter Health Park is the team's temporary home until the new stadium in downtown Vegas opens (which is scheduled to happen in 2028).

Martini hasn't come out of the gates strong this season and owns a meager .225/.288/.294 slash line while playing half his games in one of the most hitter-friendly ballparks in the country. The former Reds outfielder will need to tap into some of that patent Martini-magic if he hopes to make it back to The Show for one more run.

Martini was an Opening Day hero last season, but his star faded quickly. After opening the year, hitting .290/.303/.677 with three home runs, Martini faded quickly. Following his red-hot start, the veteran hit just .165 with a .446 OPS over the next 27 games and spent the second-half of the Reds' season in the minors. Reds fans undoubtedly wish Martini the best with his new organization.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors