SCOTTSDALE -- After agreeing to terms on a two-year deal with Carlos Rodon, the Giants found themselves in an interesting spot. They had a full rotation but also a bunch of veterans with injury histories and a need for more depth. They also had a full 40-man roster.
On Sunday, they found a way to fill a need while also leaving their options open.
The Giants are reportedly signing veteran right-hander Carlos Martinez to a one-year deal, as first reported by Martinez himself on his Instagram page. Martinez will get a minor league deal, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported, citing a source, so he won't take up a 40-man spot.
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SIGN UP HERE He will get $2.5 million if he makes the roster with an additional $1.5 million available in incentives.
Martinez, 30, was a star early in his career for the St. Louis Cardinals, making two MLB All-Star teams and posting an ERA under 3.65 in five consecutive seasons starting in 2015. He was a starter for most of that run but made 48 relief appearances in 2019, posting a 3.17 ERA, saving 24 games and striking out nearly 10 batters per nine innings.
Martinez returned to the rotation the last two seasons, but he had a 9.90 ERA in five starts in 2020 and was at 6.23 in 16 starts last season. Once known for having one of the game's best fastballs, Martinez averaged just 93.4 mph last season and missed the second half of the season after tearing a ligament in his right thumb.
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The Giants are betting they can get him healthy and back closer to his old self, and if they can get Martinez stretched out, he could be a useful piece, soaking up starts as Aaron Sanchez and Scott Kazmir did last season. Martinez also seemingly would be extremely comfortable moving to the bullpen if the five current Giants starters are all healthy to start the year.
