Veteran right-hander Chris Martin has officially called it a career after 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, ending an unconventional journey that took him through seven organizations, two seasons in Japan, and several successful postseason runs.

Martin's career included a memorable stop with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who acquired him from the Chicago Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline. Los Angeles sent utility player Zach McKinstry to Chicago on July 30, 2022.

The move paid immediate dividends for the Dodgers.

Martin appeared in 26 regular-season games, finishing with a 3-1 record, a 1.46 ERA, and two saves across 24.2 innings. He struck out 34 batters while issuing just one walk, establishing himself as a reliable option for manager Dave Roberts.

His retirement comes after one final attempt to extend his career with the Texas Rangers.

Martin had previously indicated in September 2024 that he was nearly certain the following season would be his last. However, he returned for the 2026 campaign before shoulder problems interrupted his year.

The 40-year-old made 16 appearances for Texas, making multiple trips to the Injured List because of a shoulder impingement. Following an unsuccessful return, the Rangers released him in August.

Martin's path to the major leagues was anything but conventional. A Texas native, he was originally selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 2004 MLB Draft but elected to attend McLennan Community College instead.

The Colorado Rockies subsequently drafted him in 2005, although shoulder surgery ultimately prevented him from signing with the organization.

After going undrafted in 2006, Martin began pitching in independent baseball. Persistent shoulder issues eventually forced him away from the game, leading him to take several jobs outside baseball, including working for UPS and Lowe's.

His return began after he rediscovered his ability to throw comfortably while playing catch behind an appliance warehouse. Martin eventually earned a minor-league opportunity with the Boston Red Sox in 2011.

He made his major-league debut with Colorado in 2014 but struggled to establish himself, recording a 6.89 ERA in 16 appearances. A subsequent stint with the New York Yankees produced similar difficulties, prompting him to explore opportunities overseas.

That decision changed his career. Martin joined the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan and dominated across two seasons, recording a 1.12 ERA in 88.1 innings. His success earned him a two-year contract with Texas before the 2018 season.

Martin gradually developed into one of baseball's more dependable late-inning relievers. His breakthrough came in 2019, when he recorded a 3.40 ERA before being traded to the Atlanta Braves. Atlanta subsequently brought him back on a two-year, $14 million contract.

He remained an important bullpen contributor during that stretch, helping the Braves capture the 2021 World Series championship.