The dust has settled on the 2026 MLB season, and we’re currently in the calm before the storm of the expected free-agent frenzy. Preliminary contact has begun between free-agents and teams, and while nobody has signed a new deal, rumors have begun to swirl. In an article earlier this week, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand wrote about Rays free-agent pitcher Nick Martinez, who started World Series Game 1 for Tampa Bay, and some potential fits for him in free agency. Among those fits were the White Sox, certain to be on the hunt for starting pitching upgrades.
Martinez, 35, was an 18th-round pick of the Texas Rangers back in 2011. He made his big league debut with Texas back in 2014 and spent his first four big league seasons there. After struggling to consistently perform at the big league level, Martinez made the decision to head overseas, signing with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan. He remained there until 2022, where he signed a two-year deal with the San Diego Padres. Martinez was mostly used in relief in 2022 and 2023 despite surpassing 100 innings each year. Martinez spent 2024 with the Cincinnati Reds, where he posted a 3.10 ERA in 142.1 innings. His second year in Cincinnati didn’t go as well, but Martinez posted a much stronger season in 2026 after signing a one year deal with the Rays.
Nick Martinez's career year at 35 should boost his free-agent stock
In a career-high 180 innings, Martinez finished 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA. Despite a low strikeout rate (109 in 180 innings), Martinez was effective with his command, walking just 26 hitters all year. He got the honor of starting Game 1 of the World Series for Tampa and has emerged as a reliable veteran innings-eater. He’ll hit free agency ahead of his age-35 season after declining his end of a mutual option. He’s unlikely to receive a significant multi-year contract, but could still be effective on a one-year deal.
Kevin Cash announced that Nick Martinez will get the start in Game 1 of the World Series tomorrow night pic.twitter.com/5PBKFiwvBO
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 22, 2026
Aside from his on-field contributions, Martinez was a valuable member of the Rays clubhouse. According to Feinsand’s article, Rays manager Kevin Cash referred to him as “the rock of our clubhouse”. He could be exactly the type of veteran presence that could help guide the young starters like Hagen Smith, Noah Schultz, and David Sandlin.
The White Sox are badly in need of pitching help behind Sean Burke in their starting rotation. I’d love to see them shoot higher and pursue the Freddy Peralta, Michael King, Trevor Rogers tier of starter, but Martinez could be a solid veteran fallback option if they come up short in those pursuits. He certainly wouldn’t be the only starting pitcher they pursue this offseason, which brings a market flush with options.
Without any concrete rumors of interest for the White Sox so far, we can only speculate on best fits and build our own plans, but with free-agent activity expected to pick up soon, the answers will become clear.
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