Cincinnati Reds Sign Pitcher Nick Martinez to Two-Year Contract

Martinez, a Veteran with a 2.32 ERA in Last Season's Starts, Joins Reds' Young Rotation Amid Efforts to Improve Team's Pitching Performance

Nick Martinez, a free-agent pitcher, has agreed to terms with the Cincinnati Reds on a two-year, $26 million contract, with an opt-out clause after the 2024 season.
Martinez, 33, has served in a swing role for the San Diego Padres the past two seasons, posting a 2.32 ERA in nine starts last season.
The Reds' young rotation includes Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcraft, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson and Connor Phillips, but Martinez would provide a veteran presence.
Cincinnati also agreed to terms with free-agent reliever Emilio Pagán on a two-year, $16 million contract.
The Reds had the third-worst pitching staff in the National League last season, in terms of ERA (4.83), and allowed the third-most home runs (222) in baseball.