Nick Martinez's most recent accolade sends clear directive to Reds' front office

Who would have guessed when the Cincinnati Reds signed Nick Martinez back in December that the right-hander would have been the team's best offseason acquisition? But that's exactly what he was. While a lot was made of the three-year contract extended to Jeimer Candelario, Frankie Montas' one-year prove-it deal, and the return of Cincinnati's own Brent Suter, Martinez was unquestionably the Reds' best addition from this past season.

The question now becomes whether or not Martinez will be back in 2025. The reliever turned starter has a $12 million salary on the books for next season, but after his most recent accolade, Martinez will surely exercise his opt-out clause and test the free agent waters.

Martinez was named the National League Pitcher of the Month for September after putting up absolutely unfathomable numbers to close out his 2024 season. Martinez went nearly 33 innings, posted a 0.83 ERA, with 30 punch outs, while the opposition mustered a meager .161 batting average against. The 34-year-old was lights out. And now it's time for the Reds to make sure they keep Martinez in Cincinnati next season.

Reds must re-sign Nick Martinez during the offseason

If the Reds allow Martinez to leave via free agency without even making an attempt to re-sign him, it's absolutely inexcusable. Martinez outperformed his current deal and will rightfully be looking for a pay raise. That could come in the form of a Qualifying Offer.

If the Reds extend a QO to Martinez, there's a good chance that he accepts it. Handing over what essentially amounts to a one-year deal worth $20-plus million would to be hard for anyone to pass up. But taking into consideration that Martinez is heading into his age-35 season, and unlikely to get many free agent offers from other ball clubs with the draft pick attached to his signing, the veteran would likely sign the deal.

But, if the Reds flippantly allow Martinez to opt out of his current deal and don't extend a QO, they'd better be willing to cut him a nice check with some extra zeroes on it. Martinez will easily be able to secure a deal similar to the one he signed with Cincinnati this past winter, but with a bigger number attached to it.

In addition to Martinez, Reds ended the 2024 season with only two healthy starters who could be part of the 2025 Opening Day rotation. But the Reds will need more than Hunter Greene and Rhett Lowder heading into next season. Andrew Abbott and Nick Lodolo should be back healthy once spring training arrives, but numerous questions abound when talking about the other starters on the Reds roster. Cincinnati needs to bring back Martinez in 2025, no questions asked.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors