Potential Dodgers Free Agent Target Nick Martinez Signs With NL Central Squad
Free agent pitcher Nick Martinez has signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Martinez was linked to the Dodgers as a potential free agent signing, but instead is joining the Reds on a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first year.
Martinez initially debuted in the Majors back in 2014 with the Texas Rangers, but struggled mightily over the first four years of his career. He then went to Japan, where he spent four seasons before coming back to the MLB and joining the San Diego Padres.
In San Diego, Martinez was able to revitalize his career as a hybrid starter and reliever. Martinez made 110 appearances over the last two seasons, starting 19 games and sporting a 3.45 ERA with 201 strikeouts.
Last year, Martinez had a solid 3.43 ERA in 110.1 innings, earning himself a solid payday in free agency.
The Dodgers were linked to Martinez as they value versatility, but instead, he joins the Reds who have been one of the many teams looking for starting pitching this offseason.
Martinez joins the likes of Sonny Gray, Kyle Gibson, Luis Severino and former Dodger Lance Lynn as free agent starting pitchers to find new homes this offseason.
The Dodgers are yet to get involved in the starting pitching market, but have been heavily linked to Yoshinobu Yamamoto and even Martinez’s teammate in San Diego, Blake Snell.
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Photo Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Hopefully this is not a dud of an off season for the Dodgers again. If they only sign Othani as the only major impact player I will not view this off season as a success. The need to sign multiple players. I believe Yamamoto or Snell along with Othani and why not all 3 they have the money just do it and get it done. With signing Snell and Yamamoto they will then have starting pitchers who can pitch more than 5 innings in a game and the less reliance on the bullpen.
Agreed. Last year was truly disappointing and they need to step it up this year. I am not particularly enthralled by Othani as most people seem to be. The team needs at least two high-profile, proven quality starters. Not an extremely expensive DH as Othani currently is. Friggin’ spend some money D-Management! Just raise the price of your Dodger Dog another $2 and you will have plenty of $$$$$ to sign Burnes, Snell, Yamato, etc. Quit fooling around with injury-prone has-beens.!