Terry Francona's ties could give the Reds an affordable alternative to Nick Martinez

After missing out on Kyle Schwarber last winter, Cincinnati Reds team president Nick Krall reportedly wanted to sign Nick Martinez. Instead, the Reds inked Eugenio Suárez to a one-year, $15 million deal and Martinez signed with Tampa Bay Rays.

With Martinez set to enter the free agency cycle for the third time in four years, it's a good bet that Krall will make another run at signing the veteran right-hander. The price tag, however, is expected to be much higher this winter, with Spotrac predicting Martinez to land a two-year deal worth $42 million.

That number feels a bit steep for the cost-conscience Reds, who'll already be dealing with the sunk cost of Hunter Greene's $15.3 million salary in 2027. Aaron Civale could provide the Reds with a cheaper alternative to Martinez, and his previous ties to manager Terry Francona might help Cincinnati seal the deal.

Aaron Civale could offer the Reds a cheaper alternative to Nick Martinez

A one-time member of the Cleveland Guardians rotation, Civale will be a free agent this offseason, and his estimated contract comes in at a much more manageable $6.7 million. He split time between the Athletics and Chicago Cubs this past season, posting a combined 4.20 ERA and 4.65 FIP.

But once Civale emerged from the bandbox that is the A's home stadium in West Sacramento, his numbers improved drastically. In 18 appearances with the Cubs last season — all in relief — he logged 36⅔ innings to the tune of a 1.72 ERA and 3.24 FIP. His WHIP saw a dramatic decrease as well, dropping from 1.621 to 1.064 after being traded to Chicago in mid-July.

Much like Martinez, before his time with the Rays this year, Civale has worked as both a starter and reliever. He made 15 starts and 19 relief appearances while covering just over 100 innings. Civale also has a history of limiting free base runners, and relies on a steady pitch mix rather than blowing opponents away with a 95-plus mph fastball.

A reunion with Martinez would certainly be welcome, but if Spotrac's $21 million AAV is correct, there's little reason to assume the Reds will fork over that kind of money for a middle-of-the-road starter who'll turn 37 years old next season. Instead, fans should expect Krall and Co. to search for a poor man's version of Martinez this winter. Civale could fit the bill.

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