Reds-Nick Martinez contract extension could look a lot like AL Cy Young candidate's

Nick Martinez tossed another gem on Friday night, in what could be his final start in front of the home crowd at Great American Ball Park. Martinez signed a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Reds this offseason, but the veteran has an opt-out clause that he'd be foolish not to exercise.

Martinez is making $14 million this season, and if he decides to stay in Cincinnati, he'll actually take a pay cut next season with a base salary of $12 million. After going six strong and allowing just two hits while striking out nine Pittsburgh Pirates batters on Friday, Martinez is all but assured to re-enter free agency once again this offseason.

The Reds management can't allow that to happen. One way or another, the Reds must ensure that Martinez is back in the Queen City next season. While extending a Qualifying Offer is certainly a solution, perhaps the easiest thing to do is sign Martinez to a contract extension before free agency even begins.

Seth Lugo's deal with the KC Royals gives Reds a blueprint for a contract extension with Nick Martinez

The Reds will have a window to negotiate with Martinez before he hits the open market. Most player and team-options need to be exercised a little less than a week after the World Series ends, meaning that Nick Krall and the Reds front office need to start chatting with Martinez and his agent shortly after the regular season ends.

So what would a Martinez contract extension look like? Honestly, if the Reds offered Martinez a deal similar to that of former teammate Seth Lugo, it would be difficult to see the right-hander turning it down. Lugo signed a two-year, $30 million deal last offseason with the Kansas City Royals that included a $15 million player option for the 2026 season.

Lugo will likely finish among the top-3 vote-getters in the American League for this year's Cy Young Award. Lugo, like Martinez, is 34 years old and relies on soft contact and ground balls. Lugo was previously a reliever, but has slotted nicely into the Royals starting rotation this season. Sound familiar?

Reds need Nick Martinez to offset the loss of Brandon Williamson and others

Martinez worked as reliever earlier in the season, but injuries to the likes of Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and Nick Lodolo forced the Reds to move the veteran back into the rotation. Since returning to the Reds starting rotation on August 5th, Martinez is 4-1 with a 2.92 ERA. Martinez is undefeated in his last four starts with a 2.25 ERA with opponents hitting just .202.

It's imperative for the Reds to keep Martinez in Cincinnati next season. The Reds have already lost Brandon Williamson to Tommy John surgery, Connor Phillips is shadow of the pitcher he was supposed to be, Lodolo has proven to be incredibly unreliable, and Ashcraft may well end up in the bullpen.

You can never have enough pitching, and the Reds have proven that this season. While Cincinnati has the Qualifying Offer in their back pocket, it makes all the sense in the world to sign Martinez to a contract extension before free agency hits later this offseason.

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