Reds reportedly sign swingman Nick Martinez to two-year/$26-million deal

Less than 24 hours after reportedly agreeing to terms with free agent reliever Emilio Pagán, Jeff Passan of ESPN is reporting that the Cincinnati Reds have inked swingman Nick Martinez to a two-year/$26-million contract.

According to Passan, the deal includes an opt out after the 2024 season. Most recently, Martinez pitched for the San Diego Padres last season. The right-hander was 6-4 with a 3.43 ERA in 63 appearances.

Of those 63 outings, Martinez actually made nine starts and has started 87 games over his six years in the major leagues. It's unclear as to whether or not the Reds plan to use Martinez as a starter or a reliever, but that type of flexibility is exactly what the Reds need.

Reds reportedly sign Nick Martinez to two-year/$26-million deal

Nick Martinez could easily slot into the backend of Cincinnati Reds rotation and bring a calming, veteran presence to a ball club loaded with talented, young pitchers.

Before Martinez's signing the Reds starting rotation was comprised of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson, and Andrew Abbott. Connor Phillips would certainly be in that mix as well.

Adding Martinez gives the Reds added depth to a rotation that hasn't seen a single starter throw more than 150 innings a year ago. In his hybrid role for the San Diego Padres the past two seasons, Martinez has logged 216.2 innings of work to the tune of 3.45 ERA.

During that same two-year stretch, however, Martinez has 91 relief appearances and nine saves. This versatility will allow Reds manager David Bell to utilize Martinez in multiple ways next season.

Regardless of whether or not Nick Martinez is starting or coming out of the bullpen, the Cincinnati Reds have made two signings in the past 24 hours that make their team better heading into the 2024 season.