Reds' 2024 Opening Day standout signs free agent deal with Rockies

Former Cincinnati Reds slugger Nick Martini has a new home. Martini was cut loose earlier this offseason in order to clear some roster space, and the Reds showed no interest in a reunion. On Wednesday, Martini reached a minor-league deal with the Colorado Rockies.

Martini came up huge for the Reds on Opening Day last season. Acting as the team's designated hitter for the first game of the 2024 season, Martini hit not one, but two massive home runs over the right field wall en route to a blowout victory over the Washington Nationals.

Reds' 2024 Opening Day standout Nick Martini signs free agent deal with Rockies

Martini will now take his talents to the Mile High City, and the Rockies fans at Coors Field will be treated to quite the show if he breaks camp with the big league club. The ball is known to fly out out of the Denver-based stadium, and Martini has no shortage of power.

During his two seasons with the Reds, Martini hit .229/.290/.440 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI as a part-time player. Martini will add some versatility to the Rockies roster as well, as he found playing time at first base and the outfield during his tenure in the Queen City.

With so many young and talented players in the organization, Martini became a roster casualty. There was no chance for the 34-year-old to make the Reds roster during the upcoming season, so Cincinnati parted ways with Martini shortly after the 2024 Postseason. Martini was outrighted to Triple-A Louisville, but rejected the assignment and entered free agency.

Martini previously spent time with the Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, and Chicago Cubs before jetting acorss the Pacific Ocean in 2022 to play for the NC Dinos of the KBO. His .825 OPS during his stint overseas caught the eye of Reds' scouts and he was signed to a minor-league deal prior to 2023.

Martini will be remembered for his leadership and clutch hitting during his brief run with the club in 2023. But most of all, Reds fans will remember his performance on Opening Day this past season when he went 2-for-4 with two home runs and five RBI.

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