Unfortunately, the San Diego Padres will be without Joe Musgrove in 2025. Musgrove has not played much during the last two seasons, making 36 starts in total. Musgrove, a former All-Star, has had Tommy John surgery, and his recuperation will keep him out for the rest of next season.
Although Musgrove is a difficult pitcher to replace on the field and in the clubhouse, the Padres could see a former player make a triumphant return. Nick Martinez left the Padres in January 2024 after signing a free agent contract with the Reds in December. However, Martinez might elect to opt out of his two-year contract after only one season in Cincinnati.
The Padres could reconnect with Nick Martinez in free agency to solve Joe Musgrove’s injury.
Martinez could be one of Major League Baseball’s most underestimated pitchers. This past season, the right-hander has a 3.10 ERA in 142 1/3 innings with a 1.026 WHIP. Martinez was also chosen the Reds’ most outstanding pitcher in 2024, surpassing All-Star Hunter Greene.Martinez has a 3.45 ERA in 216-plus innings across his two seasons with the Padres. Martinez again performed admirably in the Friars’ postseason, allowing only one run in 11 innings with three hits and one walk. The Padres would certainly sign up for these stats again.
Martinez also established himself as a starting pitcher in the final month of the regular season. In five September starts with Cincinnati, he allowed just three earned runs, including shutout performances of seven and six innings. Martinez finished the season on an outstanding note, pitching eight innings of one-run ball at Wrigley Field. He finished the 2024 season with another trophy, Pitcher of the Month for September.
Martinez remains in contact with his former Padres colleagues, and he enjoyed his time in San Diego, so why not go back? The Friars fans mourn him, and Martinez would fit right in. San Diego has a few decisions to make on the mound, but bringing Martinez back seems like a no-brainer.
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