Reds' swingman Martinez opts out, Suter re-signs on 1-year deal
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Nick Martinez is back on the market after opting out of the final year of his contract, the team announced Friday.
Martinez, who inked a two-year, $26-million deal with the Reds last offseason, is giving up a $12-million salary in 2025 to seek a new pact in free agency. Martinez also chose to test free agency in 2023 when he opted out of his contract with the San Diego Padres last November.
The 34-year-old's versatility could make him an intriguing option for teams needing pitching. Martinez worked as a starter and reliever for the Reds and was effective in both roles. He spent most of the first half in the bullpen before moving to the rotation permanently in August.
Martinez's 2024 splits
| Role | IP | ERA | WHIP | K/BB | Opp. BA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As SP | 89 | 3.84 | 1.12 | 70/12 | .257 |
| As RP | 53.1 | 1.86 | 0.86 | 46/6 | .203 |
Martinez went 10-7 with a 3.10 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 116 strikeouts, and one complete game across 42 appearances (16 starts) in 2024. His 1.14 BB/9 rate led all NL pitchers with at least 140 innings pitched.
Martinez returned to the majors in 2022 after revitalizing his career with a four-year stint in Japan. Across the last three seasons, he owns a 3.31 ERA, 3.79 FIP, and 1.18 WHIP with 317 strikeouts over 359 innings.
The Reds also announced Friday that they re-signed left-hander Brent Suter to a one-year contract with a club option for 2026. Suter's deal will pay him $2.25 million in 2025, and the option will pay him $3 million if exercised, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.
Suter, who grew up in Cincinnati, was an important piece of the Reds' bullpen in 2024. He posted a 3.15 ERA and 1.14 WHIP with 50 strikeouts, 12 walks, and two saves across 47 appearances, including three starts as an opener. The 35-year-old began his career as a starter with the Milwaukee Brewers before reinventing himself as a dependable reliever over the last five seasons.
Cincinnati also declined its club option on catcher Luke Maile. Right-hander Jakob Junis declined his $8-million mutual option and is now a free agent.