Reds fans' fears realized after MLB insider predicts Nick Martinez's future

While the Cincinnati Reds will almost certainly dabble in the free agent and trade markets this winter, no internal decision will carry more weight than whether to retain pitcher Nick Martinez. This choice—and Martinez’s decision to opt out—will be made five days after the close of the World Series, meaning Cincinnati could set the tone for its offseason as early as the first weekend in November. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, Reds fans shouldn’t be holding out hope of a reunion.

In a video for Bleacher Report, Heyman put it quite bluntly. Martinez will exercise his opt-out clause. In doing so, he would turn down the second year of his $28 million contract and would test a free agent market that could feature a slew of pitchers either opting out or turning down a player-option, including Nathan Eovaldi and Blake Snell.

MLB insider predicts that Nick Martinez will opt out of his contract with the Reds, frustrating Cincy fans

The Reds essentially have two options to keep Martinez in the fold: an extension or a qualifying offer. The deadline for a qualifying offer coincides with the opt-out deadline, so Cincinnati fans should keep a close eye on the first week or so of November. The qualifying offer would likely be in excess of $20 million, which would make him by far the priciest member of the 2025 team (barring any big winter spending, which is unlikely).

A $20 million salary for a pitcher would be a significant change from the Reds’ front office status quo. Not since Homer Bailey in 2018 has the team shelled out that amount of money for an arm.

That said, if Martinez turns down the qualifying offer, the Reds would receive a compensatory pick. This year’s MLB Draft is reportedly fairly strong, particularly when it comes to high school bats, so Cincinnati may look to replenish its depleted farm system.

The Reds could also just go for a contract extension. Most of the team’s rotation is fairly young and controllable with Nick Lodolo being the first to hit free agency in 2028. Yes, the touted pitching prospects are on the way, but Martinez would be a solid veteran to stabilize a young group.

Unfortunately, if the pundits are right, these daydreams of Martinez putting up tremendous numbers in a Reds uniform for another year will be short-lived. I guess at least we have the memories?

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