Nick Martinez Accepts Qualifying Offer, Stays with Reds for 2025

Veteran right-hander Nick Martinez has accepted the Qualifying Offer (QO) from the Cincinnati Reds, as reported by Francys Romero. This decision means Martinez will remain with the team for the 2025 season on a one-year, $21.05 million contract.

Martinez, 34, received the QO following an impressive debut season with the Reds. After joining Cincinnati last winter on a two-year, $26 million deal, Martinez delivered a solid performance, posting a 3.10 ERA and a 3.21 FIP over 142 1/3 innings. His season was split between the starting rotation and the bullpen, showcasing his versatility.

Martinez excelled in relief, recording a 1.86 ERA in 53 1/3 innings, while his 3.84 ERA across 16 starts demonstrated his potential as a reliable rotation piece. Although he struggled early in the season with a 5.46 ERA through April, Martinez finished strong with a 2.42 ERA in 63 1/3 innings over 11 starts after returning to the rotation in August. His strikeout rate (22.5%) and groundball rate (42.8%) were better as a reliever, but his late-season performance as a starter provides optimism for 2025.

Since returning to MLB after a successful stint in Japan, where he posted a 3.02 ERA in 378 1/3 NPB innings, Martinez has demonstrated the ability to shift between roles based on team needs. Over the past three seasons, he logged 184 innings across 35 starts and 175 innings over 117 relief outings. This flexibility is particularly valuable for the Reds, especially given the injury histories of pitchers like Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott.

The Reds' decision to extend the QO to Martinez, despite the significant raise from his 2024 salary, highlights their appreciation for his contributions. While the two sides discussed a multi-year extension, they ultimately did not reach an agreement. Given Martinez's age, his market value in a multi-year deal might be lower, making the QO an attractive option.

Martinez's addition strengthens the Reds' pitching staff, but it also impacts the club's budget. RosterResource estimates the Reds' current payroll for 2025 at just under $81 million. With Martinez's $21.05 million salary, the total pushes above the previous year's mark of $100 million, possibly necessitating additional financial adjustments. Potential cost-saving measures, like non-tendering players such as Santiago Espinal and Jake Fraley, could help manage the budget.

​As the offseason progresses, the Reds will navigate these financial challenges while seeking to enhance their roster. Martinez's return is a positive step, but further moves will be necessary to maintain and build on the team's competitive edge for the upcoming season.