MLB insider reveals Rays plan for new $13 million free agent veteran pitcher

The Tampa Bay Rays have made a plethora of interesting offseason moves this winter, and their most recent addition is one of the more compelling.

Nick Martinez, a veteran right-hadner and the Rays agree on a $13 million contract for the 2026 season. He's been used as a starter and reliever the last few seasons with the Cincinnati Reds.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Rays have made their plan clear for Martinez this upcoming season. Tampa Bay fully intends to use Martinez, their $13 million new pitcher, as a full-time starter.

Rays have starting pitcher plan for $13M new signing

"The plan is for Nick Martinez to be used solely as a starter in the Rays' rotation," Nightengale reports. "He started and pitched in relief last year for the Reds."

The Rays are using Martinez, the 35-year-old veteran right-hander, as a full-time starter next season. With Drew Rasmussen, Shane McClanahan, Ryan Pepiot, and Steven Matz, the Rays' new-look rotation is coming to fruition.

Martinez this past season for the Reds posted a 4.45 ERA season across 40 games, 26 of which were starts. While he spent time in both roles, there was a clear disparity in production as a starter versus as a reliever.

Coming out of the bullpen, Martinez posted a 3.61 ERA in 20.2 innings pitched. As a starter, in 26 games and across 145 innings pitched, Martinez posted a 4.72 ERA.

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His production as a starter is significantly worse than when he's a reliever. But, with the Rays in need of starting pitching and spending $13 million on Martinez, the veteran righty is getting a spot in the rotation.

Even in 2024, when he was used as a starter less than as a reliever, he posted a 3.84 ERA across 16 starts and 89 innings compared to a 1.86 ERA in 26 games and 53.1 innings as a reliever for the Reds.

This is a risky decision from the Rays, forcing Martinez into the role where he's struggled the last few years. But he can still provide a solid innings-eating ability for the Rays next year. Martinez is coming to Tampa Bay and will be a full-time starting pitcher.

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