Rays Urged to Hold Onto All-Star Pitcher After Breakout Year

Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly has urged the Tampa Bay Rays to re-sign All-Star pitcher Nick Martinez following their World Series loss to the Milwaukee Brewers. The 36-year-old right-hander entered free agency after delivering a standout 2026 campaign, posting a 15-6 record, a 3.10 ERA, and 3.9 WAR across 180 innings to help lead Tampa Bay to the American League pennant.

Writer Curt Bishop argues that retaining Martinez would give Tampa Bay a strong rotation duo alongside Drew Rasmussen for another championship push. Because Martinez is ineligible for a qualifying offer, re-signing the veteran could be challenging given the small-market club's usual reluctance to spend, especially with potential interest from teams like the Dodgers, Red Sox, Cardinals, and Brewers.