The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a significant addition to their bullpen, officially agreeing to a five-year contract with hard-throwing right-handed reliever Jordan Martinez. The deal, announced by the team on Monday, solidifies the D-backs’ efforts to strengthen their late-inning pitching and adds another power arm to a roster aiming to build on last season’s success.
Martinez, known for his electric fastball that consistently touches triple digits, was one of the most sought-after relief arms on the market this offseason. The 27-year-old flamethrower has emerged as a dominant force over the past two seasons, drawing attention with his high strikeout rate and ability to shut down opposing lineups in high-leverage situations.
Last season, Martinez posted an impressive 2.48 ERA across 65 appearances, while recording 94 strikeouts in just 68 innings. His fastball averaged 99.7 mph, making him one of the hardest throwers in the league. In addition to his velocity, Martinez has developed a devastating slider that has become a go-to pitch in key moments, further elevating his effectiveness out of the bullpen.
The deal is reportedly worth $45 million over five years, with performance incentives that could push the total value even higher. The D-backs see Martinez as a potential closer but also value his versatility, knowing he can be used in multiple high-pressure situations throughout the game. His addition gives Arizona a legitimate weapon at the back end of their bullpen — an area that proved to be a weakness at times last season.
Diamondbacks General Manager Mike Hazen expressed excitement about bringing Martinez aboard. “We’ve been looking for ways to bolster our bullpen with a high-impact arm, and Jordan fits exactly what we need,” Hazen said. “His stuff is electric, and he’s shown the ability to dominate some of the game’s best hitters. We believe he’s just entering his prime, and we’re thrilled to have him in a D-backs uniform for the foreseeable future.”
Martinez, who was originally drafted in the fourth round by the Chicago White Sox, spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he developed into a reliable late-inning reliever. His postseason experience with the Rays adds additional value as the Diamondbacks look to return to the playoffs and contend in the National League.
“I’m excited for this new chapter and to be part of what the D-backs are building,” Martinez said in a statement. “This is a team that’s hungry and ready to compete, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The signing of Martinez is the latest move in what has been an active offseason for Arizona, as they look to build a roster capable of making a deep postseason run. Adding a hard-throwing, shutdown reliever like Martinez could be a game-changer, giving the D-backs a reliable arm to finish close games — something that could make all the difference in a competitive NL West.
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