Swingman Nick Martinez gave a big boost to the Cincinnati Reds' 2025 pitching plans when he accepted a $21 million qualifying offer to return.

As soon as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson heard a report that right-hander Nick Martinez would likely accept the one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer to return in 2025, he fired off a text to the pitcher to see if the report was accurate. Martinez texted him back and then confirmed it to the players’ group text.

Right-hander Nick Martinez accepted the Reds' $21.05 million qualifying offer. Talks on a multiyear deal continue. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

Of the 144 players who've received a qualifying offer since the system was implemented in 2012, Martinez is just the 14th to accept one.

Pitcher Nick Martinez is accepting a $21.05 million qualifying offer from Cincinnati and will remain with the Reds rather than pursuing the free-agent market.

In a decision that likely settles offseason questions about filling the Reds rotation, free-agent pitcher Nick Martinez has accepted the club's qualifying offer to return for the 2025 season. Martinez also did not rule out the possibility of staying longer.

Right-hander Nick Martinez accepted the Cincinnati Reds ' $21.05 million qualifying offer, multiple outlets reported Monday. Martinez, 34, opted to stay put after a breakout season in which he finished 10-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 42 games in16 starts and struck out 116 batters in 142 1/3 innings.