Rays Sign Former Padres Hybrid Pitcher, Ending Reunion Possibility

Nick Martinez inks one-year, $13 million deal with Tampa Bay, dashing hopes of a return to San Diego.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Former Padres pitcher Nick Martinez has signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays that includes a mutual option for 2027. Martinez spent the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, transitioning into more of a starting role after working primarily out of the bullpen during his time in San Diego.

Why it matters

The Padres were reportedly interested in a reunion with Martinez, as he would have provided valuable rotation depth and insurance for a staff that lacks reliable arms beyond Nick Pivetta. However, the Rays were able to offer Martinez a full-time starting role, which was likely a key factor in his decision to sign with Tampa Bay.

The details

Martinez recorded a 3.43 ERA in 110.1 innings with the Padres in 2023 before joining the Reds in free agency. In Cincinnati, he transitioned into more of a starter, making over 50% of his appearances as a starter in both 2024 and 2025. Despite some regression in 2025, Martinez's floor as a high-end reliever remains intact, and his production as a back-of-the-rotation starter was respectable.

  • Martinez last pitched for the Padres in 2023.
  • He joined the Reds in free agency for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
  • Martinez signed a one-year, $13 million contract with the Rays on February 9, 2026.

The players

Nick Martinez

A former hybrid pitcher who spent the majority of his Padres tenure working out of the bullpen before transitioning into more of a starting role with the Reds in 2024 and 2025.

A.J. Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres, who was reportedly interested in a reunion with Martinez but was unable to match the Rays' offer.

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What they’re saying

“I was really hoping the Padres would bring in Nick Martinez. The former hybrid Padre would be a perfect fit to boost the rotation. I'm surprised the Rays were in but had the ability to offer a full time rotation spot.”

— Gregory Spicer (Twitter)

What’s next

The Padres will now need to look elsewhere to bolster their starting pitching depth, with veterans like Justin Verlander, Lucas Giolito, and Zac Gallen believed to be on their radar.

The takeaway

The Padres' inability to re-sign Martinez highlights the team's need to address its starting rotation, which lacks depth beyond Nick Pivetta. While the Rays were able to offer Martinez a full-time starting role, the Padres will have to explore other options to stabilize their pitching staff for the 2026 season.