Reds Eye Nick Martinez in Free Agency
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand suggests Cincinnati could pursue the veteran right-hander to fill the rotation spot left open by Brady Singer's departure.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Baseball
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Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes the Cincinnati Reds could pursue Nick Martinez as MLB free agency gets underway. Brady Singer is now a free agent, leaving an open spot in the Reds' rotation.
Why it matters
The Reds' starting pitching finished 2026 with a 4.97 ERA, 28th in the Majors, creating a clear need for arms. Martinez posted two solid seasons for Cincinnati in 2024-25, which may make him a familiar fit.
Cincinnati's starters posted a 4.97 ERA in 2026, ranking 28th in the Majors, while Martinez declined a $20 million player option and received a $4 million buyout from the Tampa Bay Rays. It remains unclear what contract terms Martinez will command on the open market.
The players
Nick Martinez
Martinez is a 36-year-old right-hander who previously pitched for the Cincinnati Reds and is now a free agent.
Mark Feinsand
Feinsand is an MLB.com reporter who covers the league's transactions and free agency market.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that plays at Great American Ball Park.
The details
Feinsand said Martinez does not rely on overpowering velocity to get hitters out, a profile that may suit Cincinnati's needs. Martinez accepted a qualifying offer after the 2025 season and is now seeking a multi-year deal.
Timeline
2024-25: Martinez posts two solid seasons with the Reds.
2026: Reds' starters finish the season with a 4.97 ERA, 28th in the Majors.
November 4, 2026: MLB free agency opens, and Feinsand names Cincinnati as a possible landing spot for Martinez.
December 1: A potential lockout looms over the offseason.
Season Trajectory
Cincinnati's pitching shortfall in 2026 underscores the stakes of this offseason for a team seeking to climb the standings. With a potential lockout looming on December 1, teams could be forced to act quickly on starters like Martinez, reshaping the rotation market before the 2027 season.
If Cincinnati signs Martinez, the rotation could gain a veteran starter who avoids relying on velocity to get outs. Fantasy managers tracking Reds pitchers should watch whether the team confirms a deal before the rotation is set for 2027.
The takeaway
Cincinnati's search for pitching will likely be shaped by the free agency market and the approaching lockout deadline. Fans should watch whether the Reds act before December 1 or wait for the new collective bargaining landscape.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, see Baseball coverage in Cincinnati.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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