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Nick Martinez becomes free agent after 15-win season with Rays
Nick Martinez, 36, became a free agent after declining his $20 million mutual option with the Tampa Bay Rays on October 30, 2026. The pitcher completed a career year with 15 wins and a 3.10 ERA, helping lead the Rays to the World Series before their loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. He receives a $4 million buyout and is eligible to sign with any team.
Quick Facts
- Martinez declined $20 million mutual option for 2027
- Became free agent
- Finished 2026 season 15–6 with 3.10 ERA
- Selected to All-Star Game for first time
- Started World Series Game 1
Nick Martinez, 36, declined his $20 million mutual option for the 2027 season with the Tampa Bay Rays and became a free agent on October 30, 2026. The decision came one day after the Rays' World Series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Martinez had a career year with Tampa Bay in 2026, finishing with a 15–6 record, 3.10 ERA, 109 strikeouts, and 180 innings pitched across 31 starts in the regular season. He was selected to the All-Star Game for the first time. The Rays won 25 of 35 games in which Martinez appeared during the regular season and postseason. In the World Series, Martinez started Game 1 against Milwaukee, allowing two runs in five innings; the Rays lost 3–2 and ultimately the series, 4–1.
Martinez will receive a $4 million buyout from Tampa Bay as part of his contract, which guaranteed $13 million in 2026 (with $9 million earned that season). He posted a 1–1 record with a 2.81 ERA across four postseason appearances, including three starts. Rays manager Kevin Cash described him as "the rock of our clubhouse" following the season.
The right-hander has played for four MLB teams since debuting with the Texas Rangers in 2014: the Rangers, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and Rays. He compiled 63 total wins in nine seasons in the major leagues. Before his 2026 season with Tampa Bay, Martinez spent time in the Japanese leagues, playing for the Nippon-Ham Fighters (2018–2020) and the SoftBank Hawks (2021), where he won 21 games total.
As a free agent, Martinez is expected to attract interest from other organizations, potentially including multi-year contract offers. The Rays, who traditionally operate with a limited payroll, face the decision of whether to pursue a reunion with Martinez or allocate resources elsewhere in their pitching rotation.
Topics
Why This Matters
Martinez's free agency opens the pitcher market for competing teams seeking rotation depth; the 36-year-old's 15-win, 3.10 ERA 2026 season and first All-Star selection make him an active candidate for multi-year offers from organizations with higher payroll capacity than Tampa Bay. The Rays face a payroll allocation decision on whether to retain him or redirect resources elsewhere. Teams competing in the 2027 season will assess Martinez's postseason performance (1–1, 2.81 ERA in four appearances) against age-related durability questions.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2014
WireNick Martinez makes MLB debut with Texas Rangers
Jan 1, 2021
WireMartinez plays for SoftBank Hawks in Japan
Jan 1, 2022
WireMartinez returns to MLB with San Diego Padres
Jan 1, 2024
WireMartinez joins Cincinnati Reds
Related Signals
Sources
- 元日本ハム、ソフトバンクのレイズ右腕がFAに 今季15勝、ワールドシリーズでも好投（スポニチアネックス）Yahoo!ニュースMediaOct 30, 2026
- ＷＳ進出貢献のレイズ右腕が終戦翌日にＦＡ かつてソフトバンク、日本ハムでもプレー、今季１５勝ｄメニューニュースMediaOct 30, 2026
- 元日本ハム、ソフトバンクのレイズ右腕がFAに 今季15勝、ワールドシリーズでも好投ライブドアニュースMediaOct 30, 2026
- Nick Martinez Becomes Free Agent After Career Year With Tampa Bay RaysYahoo SportsMediaOct 31, 2026
- Rays' Nick Martinez Reportedly Declines Contract Option, Will Hit MLB Free Agency After World SeriesBleacher ReportMediaOct 31, 2026