Report: Cincinnati Reds and Nick Martinez Have 'Mutual Interest' in an Extension

Martinez had the best year of his career in 2024.

Greg Kuffner | 13 Hours Ago

Sep 20, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

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Cincinnati Reds

The Reds offered Nick Martinez the $21.05 million qualifying offer on Monday. The veteran reacted to the news in a conversation with the Cincinnati Enquirer

“Now we have a decision to make on the qualifying offer,” Martinez told the Enquirer. “This is the first year I’ve pitched well enough to get the qualifying offer. I guess it’s a good problem to have.”

The Reds discussed a possible two-year extension with Martinez, but he wants to weigh his options. He's still open to signing a long-term deal with in Cincinnati.

“There’s mutual interest there for sure,” Martinez said.

Martinez, who turned 34 in August, wants to maximize his money and play for a winning team.

“I’m getting older, and it’s time to kind of maximize, right? And I want to win. That’s a high priority to me, to win a championship. Cincinnati, especially hiring Terry (Francona as manager), I think there’s a great chance.”

The right-hander was 10-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 42 games this season, including 16 starts. Martinez pitched a career-high 142 1/3 innings in 2024.

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