Reds News: Nick Martinez's qualifying offer, White Sox sign former OF, Luis Mey

It's not official, but the Cincinnati Reds fanbase should know in a matter of hours whether or Nick Martinez plans to return to the Queen City in 2025. The Reds extended a qualifying offer to the right-hander earlier this month and Martinez has until Tuesday to accept or reject the offer.

The Reds made a calculated decision — one that has drawn much scrutiny. While one can certainly make the case that Martinez isn't worth the $21.05 million that comes along with the qualifying offer, how would it have looked if the Reds lost him for absolutely nothing?

Reds News: Nick Martinez reportedly accepts qualifying offer

According to MLB insider Francys Romero, Martinez plans to accept the Reds qualifying offer which will cement the 34-year-old in Cincinnati's starting rotation for the upcoming season. Martinez won Pitcher of the Month honors in September, and with so little money committed to next year's payroll, the Reds can unequivocally take on the $20-plus million owed to the veteran next season.

With Martinez (reportedly) back in the fold, the Reds' rotation is all but set for next season. Joining Martinez will be Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Rhett Lowder. Graham Ashcraft fell out of favor with the Reds midway through last season, but the right-hander could work his way back into the conversation as well.

Reds News: White Sox sign former outfielder Austin Slater

Many Reds fans will scarcely remember Austin Slater's time in Cincinnati. The former San Francisco Giants' outfielder was traded to the Reds last summer and was promptly jettisoned from Cincinnati's roster a few weeks later. The veteran eventually found a new home with Baltimore Orioles and posted a respectable .675 OPS after leaving the Reds.

Slater has agreed to a major league deal with the Chicago White Sox. The South Siders are in the midst of rebuilding their roster, and as fans in Cincy know all too well, adding veterans like Slater can help bring some stability to a clubhouse in the midst of such chaos.

Reds News: Luis Mey wins Arizona Fall League Award

Luis Mey's performance during the Arizona Fall League may well earn him a 40-man roster spot, but he also took home the top honors among all relievers who took part in the AFL this year. Mey was named the AFL Reliever of the Year.

One look at his stat line will show exactly why the flame-throwing righty took home the award. Mey was 6-of-6 in save opportunities and allowed just one hit in 8 ⅔ innings pitched. Look for the Reds to protect Mey from the 2024 Rule 5 Draft by adding him to the 40-man roster this week.

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