Nick Martinez Brings Veteran Stability, Six-Pitch Arsenal to Rays Rotation
PORT CHARLOTTE - When the Rays signed veteran right-hander Nick Martinez to a deal that guarantees him $13 million - the most of any player on the roster - it wasn’t just about filling innings. It was about adding a proven presence to a rotation that’s loaded with talent but could use a steadying hand.
Martinez reported to spring training on Wednesday, and it didn’t take long to see that the interest was mutual. For him, Tampa Bay checks a lot of boxes.
Chief among them? The opportunity to start again.
Having bounced between the bullpen and rotation over much of his career, Martinez made it clear: he’s here to be a starter. And he’s walking into a situation that offers just that - alongside a dynamic young core that includes All-Stars like Shane McClanahan and Junior Caminero.
But it wasn’t just the roster that drew him in. Martinez also pointed to the chance to reunite with former teammates Jake Fraley and Gavin Lux, and to work under manager Kevin Cash and pitching coach Kyle Snyder, two leaders known for maximizing their pitchers’ strengths. And then there’s the broader appeal of the Rays themselves.
“This organization’s ability to get the best out of their players and communicate, give them direction and compete,” Martinez said. “It’s exciting.”
Why the Rays Wanted Him
From the front office’s perspective, Martinez fits a very specific need. Baseball operations president Erik Neander called him a “stabilizer” - someone who can take the ball every fifth day, go deep into games, and keep the team competitive without needing to dominate.
That kind of reliability is gold for a team that’s often leaned on creative pitching strategies and young arms. Martinez brings a veteran’s poise, a deep pitch mix, and a reputation as a team-first guy in the clubhouse.
The pitch mix is no joke, either. Martinez throws six pitches - a four-seam fastball, sinker, cutter, changeup, curveball, and slider - and he commands them all with precision. Over the past two seasons, he’s posted an elite 4.8% walk rate, a sign of how well he controls the zone.
A Look at the Numbers
Martinez, who turns 36 in August, is coming off a season with the Reds where he went 11-14 with a 4.45 ERA across 165 2/3 innings. He made 40 appearances, including 26 starts, showing the kind of versatility that’s become a calling card throughout his career.
Since returning from a four-year stint in Japan, Martinez has quietly put together a solid three-year run with the Padres and Reds: 20-15 with a 3.31 ERA over 152 games - though only 35 of those were starts - across 359 innings.
Now, with the Rays, the plan is to lean more into that starter role. Martinez has already had early conversations with Snyder and the coaching staff about getting back to what worked best when he first returned from Japan - namely, being aggressive in the zone and challenging hitters.
“Just some of the adjustments that I can make from last year to get back to the form that I had when I first got back from Japan,” he said. “Going through with that, just being aggressive in the zone and challenging guys.”
Contract Details and Roster Moves
Martinez made $20.15 million last season with the Reds. His new deal with the Rays includes a $9 million salary for 2026, plus a $20 million mutual option for 2027 - with a $4 million buyout that’s already guaranteed. That makes the total value of the deal at least $13 million.
To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Rays moved reliever Manny Rodriguez to the 60-day injured list. Rodriguez is expected to return midseason after right elbow surgery.
Spring Camp Kicks Off
The Rays officially open their 29th spring training with a Thursday morning workout at Charlotte Sports Park, featuring 34 pitchers and eight catchers. Fans can attend for free, with gates opening at 9:30 a.m. and the workout expected to run until noon.
In addition to Martinez, minor-league catcher Daniel Vellojin was added to the spring roster. The 25-year-old spent last season at High-A Bowling Green and re-signed as a minor-league free agent. That brings the spring roster to 67 players.
Several position players have already arrived ahead of schedule and are working out informally, including new free-agent outfielder Cedric Mullins, top prospect Carson Williams, and 2025 All-Stars Jonathan Aranda and Caminero.
Neander and Cash are scheduled to speak with the media after Thursday’s workout, setting the tone for what could be a pivotal season.
Meanwhile, three key bullpen arms - Garrett Cleavinger, Griffin Jax, and Edwin Uceta - are preparing for the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Despite the early high-leverage innings they’ll be throwing in March, all three said they’re sticking to their usual spring routines.
Bottom Line
The Rays didn’t just add another arm - they added a veteran who brings experience, versatility, and a deep understanding of how to compete. If Martinez can recapture the form he showed during his post-Japan resurgence, Tampa Bay just might have found the perfect piece to anchor their rotation and mentor a talented young staff.