Nick Martinez's incredible outing further exacerbates Reds' offseason decision

Nick Martinez began the 2024 season as part of the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation. But Martinez struggled during the first month of the season. Working primarily as a starter, or long reliever, Martinez was 0-2 in March and April with a 5.46 ERA. Opponents were hitting .305 off the veteran, and the decision was made to move Martinez into a relief role.

Once in the bullpen, Martinez thrived. From May 4th through August 2nd, Martinez appeared in 25 games and typically worked two innings in relief. The right-hander posted a sparkling 2.65 ERA and 3.18 FIP with opponents tallying just a .225 batting average against.

But an influx of injuries to the Reds rotation forced Martinez back into a starting role. The 34-year-old has been downright impressive since rejoining the starting rotation, and Martinez capped off his recent stretch by going seven innings on Monday night in Atlanta while allowing just two hits. Martinez is 3-1 with a 3.12 ERA in eight starts and has gotten through the fifth inning six times during that span.

Reds pitcher Nick Martinez will surely opt out of his contract this offseason

Martinez signed a two-year deal with the Reds this past offseason, but there's a catch. Martinez's contract contains an opt-out clause after the 2024 season. Martinez's two-year, $26 million deal pays him $14 million this season, and if he decides to opt in for the 2025 season, he'll make $12 million next year. That seems unlikely given how well Martinez has pitched of late.

If the Reds plan to keep Martinez in the Queen City, they're going to have to open up their wallet; something that rarely happens. The price tag (in terms of prospect capital) for most pitchers at this year's trade deadline was exceedingly high, suggesting there are bound to be numerous teams who'll be interested in Martinez's services heading into this winter.

While the Reds have a treasure trove of talented young arms — both in the major and minor leagues — if Cincinnati wants to compete in 2025, bringing back Martinez should be near the top of their list in terms of offseason priorities.

It's not just Martinez's production, but his mentality that is invaluable. Martinez can work in a variety of roles, and that's a unique makeup for a pitcher, who typically tend to be creatures of habit. Martinez will probably have at least three, and possibly four more starts before the end of the season.

If he continues to pound the sound and put up zeroes, Martinez will be looking for more zeroes added to his paycheck in 2025. The question is whether or not the Reds will be the team to pony up the dough.

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