The Diamondbacks have locked up another member of their young core to an extension. Moises Fabian of Mega 97.9 FM reports that Justin Martinez has agreed to a five-year, $18 million extension plus options for the 2030 and 2031 seasons at $7 million and $9 million respectively.
fuente :El joven lanzador de @Dbacks Justin Martínez, solo espera resultados de examen físico para firmar una extensión de 18 millones por 5 años, comprándole el equipo dos salarios mínimos y los albitrajes, 2 opciones una de 7 millones para el 6to y 9 para el 7mo @MLB !
— Moises Fabian (@Moisesdeportes1) March 21, 2025
At first glance, this looks like a massive steal for the Diamondbacks. Martinez is one of the up-and-coming relievers, pitching to a 2.48 ERA in 72.2 innings in his rookie season. He quickly emerged as one of the back-of-the-bullpen arms as a rookie, although he struggled with consistency in his first taste as a closer. However, it's only a matter of time before he's ready to take on the role on a more permanent basis.
Martinez offers some of the best pure stuff in the Diamondbacks organization. His fastballs sit triple digits and can run up to 103 MPH with a slider and splitter that can make batters look foolish. The combination of premium octane gas plus a pair of quality secondary pitches makes him a tough at-bat. With further refinement of his command, he'll develop into one of the best closers in baseball.
At a guaranteed cost of $18 million, with a max value of $39 million if he hits all escalators, if both options are exercised, this contract has a chance to be a massive steal for the Diamondbacks. There is some risk involved with signing a player to an extension, but the potential payoff makes it worthwhile. By getting out in front of Martinez's breakout, the payoff is having an All-Star closer at a significant discount.
The going rate for a top closer in the free agent market is worth $18-20 million per season. Edwin Diaz got a five-year, $102 million deal while Josh Hader got five years, $95 million. Should Martinez develop as expected, that would be his going rate should he hit free agency. With the two option years, exercising both of them will be a no-brainer if he stays healthy.
Martinez joins Geraldo Perdomo and Corbin Carroll as players under contract through at least the 2029 season. Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen has done a solid job of building up this young core and finding a way to keep them around. That in turn has made Arizona an attractive free agent destination, as players want to win and play for a good organization.
For Martinez, $18 million is a life-changing amount of money. The question now remains if the contract will make him overamped or to relax as that's one less thing to worry about.