Reports: Reds sign two-year, $26 million deal with free agent pitcher Nick Martinez

Photo by: Charles Rex Arbogast/APSan Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Martinez delivers during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the Chicago White Sox on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)The Reds have signed free agent pitcher Nick Martinez to a two-year, $26 million deal, according to MLB Network insider Mark Sheldon. There is also a 2024 season opt-out clause in that agreement.As of right now, I can vouch for the source’s story that the Reds and RHP Nick Martinez have reached an agreement on a $26 million, two-year contract, subject to a physical. This link: t.co/swerqiztYyNov. 30, 2023 — Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon)The agreement is subject to a physical examination, which the Reds have not formally disclosed.Martinez, 33, spent the previous two seasons with the San Diego Padres in a swing role. The right-hander pitched 110 1/3 innings in 2023 and finished 6-4 with a 3.43 ERA in 63 appearances, a career high.Martinez pitched in Japan for four years before joining the Padres. He previously played with the Rangers from 2014 to 2017.Emilio Pagan, a relief pitcher, was signed by the Reds the day before Martinez was signed.Martinez may fill a bullpen position or function as part of the Reds’ young pitching rotation, depending on what the team needs.Hunter Greene, Graham Ashcroft, Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson, and Connor Phillips are the starting pitchers for Cincinnati right now. Martinez gives the roster veteran experience because no one else in that group has more than two years of experience...