Pitcher Nick Martinez accepts $21.05 million qualifying offer to remain with Reds

By The Associated Press

FILE - Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Erin Hooley]

CINCINNATI (AP) — Pitcher Nick Martinez is accepting a $21.05 million qualifying offer from Cincinnati and will remain with the Reds rather than pursuing the free-agent market. A 34-year-old right-hander, Martinez was among 13 free agents who received the qualifying offers from their former clubs on Nov. 4. Players have until 4 p.m. EST Tuesday to accept. Martinez agreed in December to a $14 million, one-year contract that included a $12 million player option. He was 10-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 16 starts and 26 relief appearances, striking out 116 and walking 18 in 142 1/3 innings.