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Pedro Martinez hired by MLB Network as analyst

Pedro Martinez will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this summer, and have a new job.jim rogash/getty/Getty

Pedro Martinez’s summer just got busier. And that’s great news for baseball fans, especially around here.

The iconic former Red Sox ace, who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July, has reached an agreement to join the MLB Network as an analyst.

Further details regarding his role will be revealed in a conference call Wednesday afternoon with Martinez and network president Rob McGlarry.

Martinez, who went 117-37 with a 2.52 ERA in seven seasons with the Red Sox (1998-2004), has been a studio analyst on TBS’s postseason coverage the past two Octobers.

Martinez said in an interview in September 2013 that he wanted to give analysis a try because former teammates such as Kevin Millar enjoyed it so much.

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Despite being a relative novice — he also filled in on occasional NESN Red Sox telecasts — the charismatic Martinez was a near-instant hit for his candor and humor.

He also does not shy away from criticism when it’s warranted, something recently retired players sometime struggle with in the transition to television.

Most notably, Martinez ripped Royals manager Ned Yost for pulling starter James Shields in favor of Yordano Ventura — who had thrown 73 pitches two days earlier — during the AL wild card game last season.

Martinez is the ninth former Red Sox player to join MLB Network’s roster of analysts.


Chad Finn can be reached at finn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeChadFinn.