Yankees could target $21.05 million Reds veteran to bolster rotation | Sporting News

The New York Yankees have put together a strong season in 2025, even after losing Juan Soto to their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets in free agency.

They lead the American League East by 5 1/2 games over the Toronto Blue Jays and currently have the second-best record in the Junior Circuit.

But with pitchers such as Luis Gil and Gerrit Cole out for an extended period of time, the Yankees are likely going to need an arm at the trade deadline.

Sara Molnick of Pinstripe Nation listed three potential non-Sandy Alcantara options, one of which was Cincinnati Reds right-hander Nick Martinez.

"Martinez doesn't overwhelm with velocity or strikeouts, but his elite command and pitch mix, featuring six offerings each used between 10 and 22 percent of the time make him unpredictable and effective," wrote Molnick.

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Martinez is having a strong season in Cincinnati.

The Fordham University alum is 3-6 but owns a 3.89 ERA in 12 starts with the Reds.

He would simply be a rental for the Yankees and wouldn't block anybody for 2026 and beyond.

The 34-year-old right-hander can also be used as either a starter or reliever, and it would certainly be interesting to see what role he can play for the Yankees.

After struggling with the Texas Rangers for the first four years of his career, Martinez reinvented himself in Japan and returned to Major League Baseball with the San Diego Padres in 2022.

He has since been a reliable veteran arm, and he could help plug a hole for the Yankees down the stretch.

Martinez likely won't be too expensive either, so he could be a solid fit for the Yankees.

We'll see what comes next.

More MLB: Yankees blockbuster trade idea brings $185 million 2x Cy Young Award winner to NY.

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