Reds take control with latest decision after Nick Martinez extension snag

The Cincinnati Reds are not going to allow Nick Martinez to just walk away. On Monday, the Reds extended a qualifying offer to Martinez, which will guarantee that they'll at least receive draft compensation if the right-hander is signed by another club during free agency.

Martinez now has 15 days to decide how he'd like to move forward. The Reds' most valuable pitcher over the month of September can either accept the qualifying offer; which is akin to a one-year, $21 million contract. Or, Martinez can reject the qualifying offer and enter the free agent market. However, any team that inks Martinez to a contract would have to forfeit a draft pick.

Gordon Wittnemeyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that the Reds floated a multiyear extension with Martinez, however, the team never gained much traction. Martinez is a client of Scott Boras, so that's of little surprise to most baseball fans who understand how the super-agent operates.

Reds take control with latest decision after Nick Martinez extension snag

If Martinez signs the qualifying offer, it will make the 34-year-old the highest-paid player on the Reds roster. Last offseason, Martinez was one of the Reds' first free agent signings. After pitching for the San Diego Padres in 2023, Martinez signed a two-year, $26 million deal last December. However, that contract contained an opt-out clause after the 2024 season, which Martinez exercised.

But now the ball is back in the Reds' court. Perhaps, by extending the qualfying offer, the Reds are attempting to lengthen the negotiating window with Martinez. After posting a sub-1.00 ERA during the month of September, it's understandable why Cincinnati would love to have Martinez back in 2025.

Reds fans will know by November 19th whether or not Martinez plans to accept the qualifying offer. Michael Wacha's $51 million contract extension with the Kansas City Royals is probably a good barometer for what Martinez is looking for on the open market. It's questionable, however, if he'll be able to land that sort of deal with a qualifying offer attached.

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