The Tampa Bay Rays have bolstered their pitching staff by agreeing to a one-year, $13 million contract with right-hander Nick Martinez, sources confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The 35-year-old veteran brings versatility to the Rays' rotation after splitting time between starting and relief roles with Cincinnati last season. Martinez posted an 11-14 record with a 4.45 ERA across 26 starts and 14 relief appearances, logging a career-high 165⅔ innings.

The addition of Martinez comes as the Rays look to rebound from back-to-back losing seasons, including a disappointing 77-85 record in 2025. Tampa Bay has been active this offseason, also signing left-hander Steven Matz to a $15 million, two-year deal and trading right-hander Shane Baz to Baltimore in December. The Rays' pitching staff has been a focus of their rebuilding efforts after finishing near the bottom of the American League in team ERA.

Martinez's signing provides veteran leadership and depth as Tampa Bay prepares for spring training, with pitchers and catchers set to report this week. The Rays' first full-squad workout is scheduled for February 17, giving Martinez time to integrate into a pitching staff that hopes to return to contention in the competitive AL East.