Reds Predicted To Cut Ties With $21 Million Pitcher In Blockbuster Trade
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Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge of professional baseball and all things that come with it after working closely with the sport for years. Zach has been with Newsweek since November 2024 and previously worked at FanSided and OnSI. He is a graduate of Bethany College (WV). You can get in touch with Zach by emailing z.pressnell@newsweek.com.
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Cincinnati Reds have quite a bit of pitching this season. Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene, and Brady Singer lead their rotation. Andrew Abbott has looked dominant since returning from injury. Carson Spiers and Nick Martinez have looked solid at times. Top prospect Rhett Lowder is set to return from injury in the near future, too.
Getting Lowder back could mean one of the Reds' top pitchers is traded.
ESPN's David Schoenfield predicted the Reds would try to move Martinez in a deal this season, but cited his large contract as a reason why it might be tough.
"The Reds' offense has been abysmal while the Hunter Greene/Brady Singer/Nick Lodolo pitching trio has been excellent," Schoenfield wrote. "If the Cubs pull away in the National League Central, it's possible none of the other teams in the division are wild-card contenders, given the early strength of the NL West.
"Martinez is a useful swingman, but he's making $21 million, so that's about $7 million for two months, a steep price for a pitcher who isn't a lock for a playoff rotation."
The Reds wouldn't need to trade Martinez when Lowder returns. In fact, Martinez was a very useful piece of the Reds' bullpen last season. He could return to that role and split time in the bullpen or as a spot starter when Lowder returns.
But the Reds could also trade him to a team desperate for pitching, like the Baltimore Orioles or New York Yankees. Either path should benefit the Reds this season or in the long run.
More MLB: Red Sox, Rangers, Cubs Linked To Trade For $10 Million Veteran Pitcher