After losing in the 2026 World Series, the Rays now must contend with starting pitcher losses. Freddy Peralta became a free agent immediately after the series, and Nick Martinez joined him late this week. Plus, the Guardians and Angels protected two strong performers from the 2026 Minor League season.

Martinez & Mullins going to market

The Rays announced on October 30 that Nick Martinez and Cedric Mullins did not have their mutual options picked up. Thus, both are now free agents.

Neither is a surprise. Martinez was an AL All-Star and one of the Rays’ most reliable pitchers from this past season. As for Mullins, he batted just .205 in the regular season.

Tolentino & Pinazzi protected

Milan Tolentino (Guardians) and Nicolo Pinazzi (Angels) were added to their respective 40-man rosters on the 30th.

Tolentino is a known name, as the infielder was taken in the fourth round of the 2020 MLB Draft. Now 24 years of age, Tolentino had a 20-20 season with Columbus, his second with Triple-A Columbus.

An interesting power hitter who had a Barrel% north of 12% in 2026, he’s also an aggressive hitter despite walking 65 times over 129 games with the Clippers. He also had a Whiff% north of 30% last season.

Nicolo Pinazzi, meanwhile, was one of the biggest surprise pitchers in the Minors this season. A 27-year-old who signed with the Angels in December 2025, the Milan native struck out 103 over 64 innings and posted a sub-1.00 ERA between four levels. He started in Low-A and worked his way as high as Triple-A.

Pinazzi’s swing-and-miss numbers were ridiculous. Just in High-A alone, his 48% Whiff% was second-highest at the level, behind only Nationals pitching prospect Miguel Sime Jr. Low-to-mid-90s fastball, along with a slider for Pinazzi.

Other moves

Vidal Brujan (Braves) and Riley Adams (Red Sox) signed Minor League deals. Both were assigned to Triple-A.

Guardians reliever Shawn Armstrong became a free agent.

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