After nearly retiring, Chris Martin resurfaces as a familiar, low-risk bullpen option
After a season of uncertainty, veteran right-hander Chris Martin might not be done yet.
The 6-foot-8 reliever, who played for the Rangers in 2025, thought about retiring after a tough year back home. Now, at least one familiar team is interested.
MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reports that the Red Sox are keeping an eye on Martin, making a reunion with the 39-year-old a possibility.
Martin’s career shows both longevity and consistency. He was drafted in the 21st round by the Rockies in 2005 and has spent over ten years with seven different teams, pitching in both leagues across the country. Even though his journey hasn’t been straightforward, he’s become a dependable late-inning pitcher who most fanbases end up falling in love with by the time his tenure with their team is up.
Boston fans already know what Martin can do.
He pitched for the Red Sox in 2023 and 2024, at ages 36 and 37, and did better than many expected for a reliever his age.
Over those two years, he threw 95.2 innings across 100 games, with a 2.16 ERA and 2.60 FIP. He wasn’t the primary closer, yet closed out 21 games while earning 5 saves. Had the Red Sox pushed him into that role, no one would have batted an eye.
In 2023, he finished 12th in Cy Young voting, his only time receiving that honor.
After leaving Boston, Martin went back to Arlington for what he expected to be his last season, pitching for Texas in 2025. He played in 49 games and threw 41.2 innings, finishing with a 2.98 ERA and 3.58 FIP. He struck out 43 batters and walked only 8, staying true to his usual style. Martin spent a short time on the injured list in May but came back and continued to pitch well. He gave up just 6 home runs, with half of them coming in a single game.
Martin’s career stats are impressive, with a 3.33 ERA and 3.03 FIP. He’s known for his excellent control and strong strikeout-to-walk ratio, striking out more than a quarter of the hitters he has faced while walking just 3%. He usually pitches around 40 innings a season, which suits him as he gets closer to age 40.
MORE RED SOX STORIES:
Trade Interest in Boston Red Sox All-Star Reportedly Picking Up
There Could Be a Deeper Meaning to Recent Boston Red Sox Trade
Boston Red Sox Make Surprising Trade of Top Prospect
For Boston, the reasons to consider Martin are obvious. Teams always need dependable bullpen pitchers, and Martin would probably be affordable after almost retiring.
He made $5.5 million in 2025, so a short-term contract makes sense - and as we all know, Fenway Sports Group values a player’s affordability almost more than their on-field ability (half-kidding, of course). He’s also familiar with Fenway Park and the coaching staff, which would help him settle in quickly.
Martin would need a major league contract, so he wouldn’t be able to move between Boston and Triple-A for roster flexibility. His age is also a factor; even though he’s stayed strong, there’s always a risk of decline. If he wants a key late-inning spot, it might depend on how the bullpen is set up - Whitlock and Chapman are already in their respective roles in sharpie.
Even with these concerns, it’s easy to see why Martin is a good option. He wouldn’t cost much, has a solid track record, and the risk is low. Any good innings he pitches would help lighten the load for others, and bring stability to Boston’s bullpen.
If younger pitchers step up, the team can adjust. For now, having a proven veteran who can still get outs could be a smart move for Boston.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
Remember to join our RED SOX on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Red Sox fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!
Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.