Nick Martinez, Rays Agree to 1-Year Deal

The Tampa Bay Rays agreed on Monday to a one-year free-agent contract with right-hander Nick Martinez, multiple sources confirmed to MLB.com. The deal is $13 million guaranteed and includes a mutual option for 2027. The club has not confirmed the deal, which is pending a physical.

Role and Rotation

Martinez is expected to join a Rays rotation that includes Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Ryan Pepiot, and Steven Matz. The Rays have also built depth with Joe Boyle, Ian Seymour, Jesse Scholtens, Yoendrys Gómez, and Mason Englert. Martinez can provide meaningful starter innings and, if needed, shift to the bullpen—he served as a swingman for the Reds in 2024 (142 1/3 IP) and 2025 (165 2/3 IP, career high). In 2024 he went 10-7 with a 3.10 ERA; in 2025 he went 11-14 with a 4.45 ERA as Cincinnati reached the postseason.

Payroll and Roster

Martinez's salary makes him the Rays' highest-paid player this year, ahead of DH Yandy Díaz ($12 million), and pushes Tampa Bay's projected Opening Day payroll above $80 million. The Rays can create a 40-man spot by placing rehabbing reliever Manuel Rodríguez on the 60-day injured list. Martinez, 35, spent four seasons in Japan (2018-21) before returning to MLB with the Padres and Reds. Since returning he has a 3.67 ERA in 192 games (61 starts) across four seasons. Browse the marketplace to see how Rays rotation moves affect values on AthX. *Sources: MLB.com – Nick Martinez, Rays agree to deal. Fact-checked February 10, 2026.*