As we at Cuban Digest reported a few days ago versatile Cuban-American hurler Nick Martinez decided to sign with the Cincinnati Reds. The pitcher signed for the next two-years and 26 million, Jeff Passan reported the terms. Martínez who was on the top 50 list as per MLB.com in free agency was also one of the most coveted relievers during this period.
The native of Miami was an integral part of the San Diego Padres pitching corps. Martínez appeared in team-leading 63 games, starting nine and tossing 110 ⅓ innings in total. The right-hander also posted a record of 6-4, a 3.43 earned run average and struck out 106 batters over that span. The righty also won two games as a starter and even recorded a six-out save during the campaign.
Fuentes: El cubanoamericano Nick Martinez firmará con los @Reds. #pelotacubana #ATOBTTR pic.twitter.com/eWFyFYUhHf
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) November 30, 2023
During his two years with the Friars the crafty miamian won a total of 10 games in 110 appearances primarily as a reliever and saved nine games, making a very valuable asset to the californians’ bullpen. This addition to the Reds roster solidifies a young staff with a talented veteran presence. During his nine starts this season he had a nifty 2.32 ERA.
Martínez was drafted out of Fordham University by the Texas Rangers in the 18th round of the 2011 draft and pitched four years with ballclub. After his stint in the Lone Star state he moved on to the Nippon League and was marvelous. In three seasons with Nippon Ham and SoftBank he won 22 games and had a sterling 3.02 ERA. After the 2021 season the son of Cuban immigrants took the mound in Olympics for the USA in the gold medal game against Japan.
Right-hander Nick Martinez and the Cincinnati Reds are in agreement on a two-year, $26 million contract that includes an opt-out after the first year, sources tell ESPN. Martinez, 33, opted out of the last two years and $16 million of his deal with San Diego to reach free agency.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 30, 2023