​Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Nick Martinez, who spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, earned his first selection to the MLB All-Star Game. Martinez and Ceddanne Rafaela will be stepping in to replace Ranger Suarez and Aaron Judge on the American League roster. At 35 years old, Martinez has posted a 7-2 record with a 2.61 ERA and a 1.130 WHIP across 17 starts this season, marking his debut campaign with the Rays.
Earlier this week, The Athletic highlighted Martinez as one of the ten biggest 2026 MLB All-Star Game snubs, underscoring the surprising omission he felt during the selections. In Cincinnati, Martinez had shown considerable development over his prior tenure with the Reds, where he went 21-21 with a 3.83 ERA in 82 appearances across two seasons. Following the 2025 season, the Reds granted him free agency, paving the way for his move to Tampa Bay and his standout performance this year.
Martinez’s journey with the Reds culminated in his departure as a free agent after a solid two-year stretch with the club. The Reds had originally acquired him through the accumulation of years of major-league experience, and his time in Cincinnati helped shape him into a reliable depth pitcher whose versatility could adapt to multiple roles out of the rotation. His transition to the Rays has paid dividends, as he has emerged as a key contributor in Tampa Bay’s pitching staff, delivering quality starts, effective innings, and a steady presence on the mound.
In the broader context of the 2026 season, Martinez’s All-Star recognition marks a milestone that reflects both his individual resilience and the evolving opportunities for veterans who continue to perform at a high level beyond their mid-30s. The All-Star nod also highlights how players who switch teams and adapt to new environments can still achieve career-defining honors, reinforcing the narrative of perseverance and continued excellence.
The 2026 All-Star selection adds to Martinez’s growing resume as a durable, veteran pitcher who can provide value across a season, whether he is starting games or filling important innings out of the bullpen. For Martinez, this recognition comes as a testament to his ability to adjust to new clubs, endure the rigors of a lengthy baseball schedule, and maintain a high level of performance. As the All-Star Game approaches, Martinez’s inclusion on the AL roster alongside Rafaela signals a broader appreciation for players who have demonstrated sustained effectiveness and the capacity to influence games at the highest level of play.