Martinez, Rays Decline Option; Pitcher Enters Free Agency

Nick Martinez and the Tampa Bay Rays both declined their sides of a $20 million mutual option for 2027, making the 36-year-old right-hander a free agent. Tampa Bay will pay him a $4 million buyout, bringing his guaranteed compensation for 2026 to $13 million. Martinez went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA over 180 regular-season innings and allowed five runs in 16 postseason innings as the Rays reached the World Series. A prominent clubhouse leader, he could attract a multiyear deal, though a return to Tampa Bay remains possible. His departure adds uncertainty to the Rays’ rotation as the team weighs other offseason decisions.