Nick Martinez Agrees to One-Year Deal with Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays’ latest moves show a cautious but purposeful effort to retool their pitching staff. This post breaks down Tampa Bay’s one-year, $13 million addition of Nick Martinez, how it fits their rotation philosophy, and how recent trades and signings shape the Rays’ outlook heading into spring training.

Last season ended with a disappointing 77-85 record, so there’s a sense of urgency.

Rays land Nick Martinez on a one-year, $13 million deal

Nick Martinez, a veteran right-hander at 35, agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract with the Rays. He split last season between Cincinnati, making 26 starts and 14 relief appearances, and posted an 11-14 record with a 4.45 ERA.

He also threw a career-high 165 2/3 innings in 2025, showing his durability and willingness to eat innings in a bullpen-capable role. Rays manager Kevin Cash spoke highly of Martinez before the deal was official, calling him “unselfish” with a first-class personality.

Martinez is expected to provide meaningful innings as a starter, giving Tampa Bay a versatile option in their rotation. The signing follows a series of roster moves designed to stabilize a pitching staff that, despite its depth, had ups and downs last year.

Martinez adds depth behind the team’s top arms and helps bridge the transition after several offseason changes aimed at retooling the rotation for a competitive 2026.

Why Martinez fits Tampa Bay’s rotation blueprint

Tampa Bay loves pitchers who can handle multiple innings and adapt to different roles. Martinez, who’s shown value both as a starter and reliever, fits the Rays’ preference for durable arms who can soak up innings when needed.

He started 26 games and made 14 relief appearances in 2025, finishing with a 4.45 ERA. That flexibility means he can slide into different roles depending on matchups or injuries.

Beyond the stats, Cash pointed out Martinez’s strong clubhouse presence. That’s not just fluff—it tends to make for smoother transitions within a staff that values collaboration and process over pure velocity.

Roster moves shaping the Rays’ 2026 outlook

• Steven Matz signed to a two-year, $15 million deal, adding another lefty to the rotation and giving the Rays a chance to stretch out their left-handed depth.
• Shane Baz traded to Baltimore in December, a move that shakes up the upper-minors and big-league pipeline while freeing up payroll and roster spots for veteran depth.
• The team finished 2025 at 77-85, their second straight disappointing season. There’s a sense that Tampa Bay is trying to balance staying competitive with a careful approach to payroll and prospect development.
• Pitchers and catchers report for spring training Thursday. The full squad reports February 17, kicking off a crucial stretch for evaluating Martinez, Matz, and the rest of the rotation.

Note: This summary incorporates information reported by The Associated Press.

Martinez’s role and the road to spring training

Martinez gives the Rays a flexible option who can help steady a rotation that’s still in flux. The Rays aren’t shy about mixing and matching, using innings from veterans to bridge the gap to younger arms who might arrive later in the season.

His proven durability—always a plus in a division where pitching is king—could be essential as Tampa Bay tries to manage bullpen workloads and give Cash a reliable long-run option when the schedule starts to grind in the summer.

For Martinez, this is another shot to show his adaptability in an organization that values preparation and a professional approach. The one-year deal is practical for the team and gives Martinez a platform to prove his value on a club that likes pitchers who can do a bit of everything.

Spring training preview: what to watch

Pitchers and catchers are almost ready to report. All eyes will be on Martinez, Matz, and the rest of Tampa Bay’s staff as they settle into their roles.

The Rays want to see how quickly Martinez can turn his off-season work into real-game consistency. There’s also curiosity about how Matz fits into the back half of the rotation.

Everyone’s wondering which young arms might step up and claim bullpen or rotation spots. Tampa Bay’s aiming to maximize innings and avoid burning out their relievers.

They’re hoping to build a more balanced staff this year. The AL East isn’t getting any easier, so every decision matters.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: RHP Martinez, Rays agree to 1-year deal