Chris Martin DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Free-agent right-handed reliever Chris Martin and the Texas Rangers agreed to an undisclosed one-year major-league deal on Monday. Martin isn't a sexy signing, but the tall right-hander should be a key acquisition for high-leverage situations near the back of the bullpen in 2025. The 38-year-old veteran spent the past two years with the Boston Red Sox, posting a very strong 2.16 ERA (2.60 FIP) with five saves, a 1.08 WHIP and a 96:11 K:BB in 95 2/3 innings over 100 relief appearances. With Robert Garcia and Jacob Webb being Texas' current top setup arms in their bullpen, there's a realistic chance that Martin could see more save chances in his new digs, depending on what other additions Texas may make to their relief corps before spring training. With a career-best and league-best 1.7% walk rate in 2024 and an opportunity, Martin could be an asset in both saves and holds leagues.

According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Texas Rangers have interest in free-agent relief pitcher Chris Martin. Last season in Boston, the 38-year-old held a 3.45 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP across 44 1/3 innings of relief. He struck out batters a solid 27.8% rate and showed elite command with a near-perfect 1.7% walk rate. He also generated an above-average 3.41 xERA and 35.0% hard-hit rate. Martin spent time with Texas earlier in his career during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. If Martin were to sign with Texas, he would likely be deployed as a late-inning reliever. Currently, the Rangers do not have a top ninth-inning option but have expressed interest in re-signing Kirby Yates. If they do not, Martin could mix in for save opportunities if they come to a contract agreement.

While the Boston Red Sox have no interest in re-signing closer Kenley Jansen after he skipped the final series of the season to return home early, Boston reportedly is interested in bringing back right-handed reliever Chris Martin. The 38-year-old veteran has a 2.16 ERA in 100 appearances for the BoSox the last two years combined. He is expected to be seeking just a one-year deal because he plans on hanging up his cleats after the 2025 campaign. Martin missed some time this past year due to right-elbow inflammation and finished with a 3-1 record, 3.45 ERA (2.78 FIP), a 1.13 WHIP, two saves, 50 strikeouts and only three walks in 44 1/4 innings out of the bullpen. With Jansen unlikely to return to Beantown, too, there's a chance Martin could be used more in save chances in 2025 if he re-signs with Boston for the final year of his career.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Chris Martin (elbow) felt good after his bullpen session on Saturday, according to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic. McCaffrey further expressed that there is a chance Martin will be activated off the 15-day IL on Wednesday instead of embarking on a rehab assignment. The 38-year-old hit the injured list in early July due to right elbow inflammation. If Martin continues to progress well through the early part of the week, he may avoid a rehab assignment altogether. Prior to the injury, Martin held a 3.42 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and a 2:29 BB:K ratio. While Martin should return to a high-leverage roll, he could contend for save opportunities as Kenley Jansen has blown two saves in his past five outings.

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Chris Martin (elbow) was placed on the 15-day injured list on Friday with right-elbow soreness and pitcher Cam Booser was called up from the minors in a corresponding move. At this point, manager Alex Cora doesn't think Martin's injury is serious. Still, the 38-year-old veteran right-hander will be out now through the All-Star break in mid-July after posting five straight scoreless appearances out of Boston's bullpen. When healthy, Martin is a key reliever in the late innings for the BoSox, although he has yet to pick up a save in 2024 after nailing down three saves in 2023. Martin is currently 2-1 with a 3.42 ERA (3.39 FIP) and 1.02 WHIP with 29 strikeouts and only two walks in 26 1/3 innings this year. There's no timetable for a return, but hopefully he can rejoin Boston's bullpen early in the second half of the season.