SETBACK: Reds Trade $21 Million Talent to Dodgers to Bolster Rotation and Address Injuries

The Cincinnati Reds have been known for their strong pitching but limited hitting this season. Their rotation, featuring Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Brady Singer, has been a major strength, with Andrew Abbott and Nick Martinez also playing key roles. However, the Reds have a wealth of pitching talent, with Carson Spiers, Chase Petty, and Chase Burns nearing the big leagues, and Rhett Lowder returning from injury. Given their depth on the mound, the Reds traded away Nick Martinez, the only pitcher on an expiring contract in their starting rotation.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield predicted the move, noting that while Martinez was a valuable swingman, his $21 million salary made him an expensive asset for a pitcher not guaranteed a spot in a playoff rotation. “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,” Schoenfield wrote.

The Los Angeles Dodgers proved to be the perfect trade partner for Martinez, using their prospect capital to land the righty. Despite having a talented rotation, the Dodgers have struggled with injuries this season, and they saw the value in adding a reliable arm like Martinez, who could also contribute in the bullpen down the stretch. In return, the Reds acquired top outfield prospect James Outman, a huge win for Cincinnati as they work to address the lack of big league talent in their outfield.