Carlos Martinez will wear No. 18 next season to honor his late friend and former teammate Oscar Taveras, who died in a car accident in October.

Martinez asked the Cardinals to switch from the No. 44 he has worn to No. 18, which was the number Taveras wore and received permission Monday.

According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, it's possible he will keep the number for the rest of his career.

Taveras wore No. 18 after his call-up to the majors last season and hit .239 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 80 games.