Why a reunion with the Padres could be on the table for Nick Martinez

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Why a reunion with the Padres could be on the table for Nick Martinez

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 7, 2026 9:25 PM ET

Right-handed starting pitcher Nick Martinez opted not to exercise his mutual option with the Tampa Bay Rays and became a free agent.

With the 36-year-old testing the open market, a reunion with the San Diego Padres is on the table.

Martinez returning to the Padres makes sense as the team is diligently seeking to strengthen its starting rotation with a durable starter, as its starters recorded the fourth-fewest innings pitched in MLB. That's a strong indication that they need to add pitching depth, which Martinez can supply.

Martinez spent two seasons with the Padres (2022-2023), where he played a versatile role, serving as both a swingman starter as well as a high-leverage reliever. He sported a 10-8 record with a 3.45 ERA with nine saves and 201 strikeouts across 110 appearances (19 starts) with 216 and 2/3 innings pitched.

While Nick Martinez returning to the Padres makes sense, he carries market competition

Martinez helped to mentor younger arms on the Padres while also establishing himself as a positive and dominant presence.

He boasted a 15-6 record with a .3.10 ERA across 180 innings pitched in his breakout campaign with the Rays in 2026 , which showcases how he's a reliable high-floor pitcher.

But Martinez carries market competition as he is also linked to the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly predicts that Martinez would be a suitable fit for the Giants as the veteran helped carry the Rays to their third World Series appearance in franchise history.

When it comes to the Mets, president of baseball operations David Stearns could see Martinez as a fit for the team's needs as a high-efficiency starter who can be acquired on a short-term deal.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

More must-reads: