Nick Martinez is the ultimate utility pitcher, capable of excelling in any role—whether it’s starting, short relief, long relief, or high- or low-leverage situations. However, for the first time in his Major League career, there is no uncertainty about his role with the Reds heading into the 2025 season.
Manager Terry Francona confirmed this on Sunday when asked about Martinez.
“Oh, I think we certainly view him as a starter,” Francona said. “I know he has versatility and is willing to adapt, but moving pitchers around unless necessary isn’t our goal.”
This decision aligns with both financial and performance considerations. Martinez is earning a starter’s salary after accepting Cincinnati’s $21.05 million qualifying offer in November. His 2024 stats also back up the move.
Last season, he appeared in 42 games, including 16 starts, posting a 10-7 record with a 3.10 ERA and a 4.0 bWAR. After returning to the rotation full-time on August 5, he recorded a 2.42 ERA in 11 starts, including a dominant 0.83 ERA over his final five outings. Following the season, the 34-year-old opted out of his two-year, $26 million contract.
“If [Francona] wants me in the rotation, then obviously I’ll give it everything I’ve got,” Martinez said. “I do prefer starting, but if the team needs help in the bullpen, I’m open to it. As athletes, we love being relied upon—it builds confidence.”
Martinez made his spring debut in the Reds’ 5-2 loss to the Giants at Scottsdale Stadium on Sunday, pitching two scoreless innings. He allowed two hits while striking out three batters.
Of the 35 pitches he threw, 26 were strikes—including all 14 in the first inning, where he fanned three of the four batters he faced. He struck out leadoff hitter Grant McCray on a changeup, then, after Willy Adames singled to left, Martinez got Mike Yastrzemski looking on a backdoor cutter. He ended the inning by blowing a high fastball past Jerar Encarnacion.
“I felt really good,” Martinez said. “I did a great job of attacking the zone and challenging hitters early and often.”
In the second inning, Brett Wisely singled with two outs, but catcher Austin Wynns threw him out attempting to steal, erasing the threat.
After the game, manager Terry Francona praised Martinez’s professionalism.
“I’m learning quickly that he’s a pro’s pro,” Francona said. “He does everything. The other day, I watched him warm up and face hitters—it was a clinic. He held a runner and gave our catcher a chance to get out of an inning. When you do those little things, it gives you a huge advantage by taking a weapon away from the other team.”
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Rule 5 utility player Cooper Bowman continues to showcase his versatility in camp. After making his first-ever start at first base against the Brewers on Saturday, he started in left field on Sunday. The Reds are looking to improve defensively, and Bowman, known for his glove work, is being tested at multiple positions. Primarily a second baseman, shortstop, and center fielder, he also brings speed—stealing 43 bases last season between Double-A and Triple-A.
“I told him, ‘To be fair to you, we want to see you in as many spots as possible,’” Francona said before Sunday’s game. “The more versatile he is, the better. I asked him, ‘You ever play first?’ He said, ‘No.’ The last thing I want to do is embarrass anyone, so I told him, ‘Let me know when you’re comfortable.’ Three days ago, he came to me and said, ‘I’m ready.’ I thought he handled it well.”
Bowman went 0-for-2 on Sunday with a flyout to right field and a groundout to shortstop. He is hitless in five at-bats over his first two games.
