The New York Yankees have been connected to an interesting pitcher with Cam Schlittler sidelined due to an injury.
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler has still not performed in Spring Training yet due to a lat issue on his left side.
Fortunately, it isn't Schlittler's throwing arm, but the fact that he still has not tossed an outing in the Grapefruit League is a sign that he may not be ready for Opening Day. At the very least, the 24-year-old is behind.
As a result, the Yankees may want to consider adding another arm, especially with Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon set to begin 2026 on the shelf.
While New York has not been linked to any major trades (yet), Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media wonders if the Yankees should take a chance on free-agent pitcher Nick Martinez.
"Martinez would provide the team with more depth in their rotation, but he’s also begun carving out a nice career out of the bullpen in a multi-relief role, and it’s why the Yankees should remain in contact with him," Garcia wrote.
Of course, New York already has a couple of long relief/spot starter options in Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn, but it couldn't hurt to add another hurler given the Yanks' unenviable injury situation.
Nick Martinez. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images."He’s a versatile and egoless veteran who will slide to and from the bullpen whenever the team needs, providing solid innings in both roles due to his deep pitch mix," Garcia added.
Martinez spent 2025 with the Cincinnati Reds, making 40 appearances and 26 starts. During that time, he logged a 4.45 ERA while allowing 158 hits and registering 116 strikeouts over 165.2 innings of work.
The 35-year-old has also flashed impressive control over the last couple of seasons, managing a BB/9 of 1.1 and 2.3 in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Both years came with the Reds.
Martinez entered the big leagues with the Texas Rangers in 2014 and spent four years with the Rangers before taking his talents to Japan for four campaigns.
The right-hander then returned to the United States in 2022, spending a couple of seasons with the San Diego Padres before joining Cincinnati.
Martinez owns a lifetime 4.16 ERA and 4.58 FIP. His stuff isn't electrifying by any means, but he eats innings and has certainly been a heck of a lot more reliable during his second stint in America.
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