The Texas Rangers added yet another big arm to their revamped bullpen, signing right-hander Chris Martin to a one-year contract, they announced Monday.
Martin's deal is for $5.5 million and includes a $1-million signing bonus, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.
The contract brings Martin back to his hometown of Arlington, Texas, for what could be his final season. In September, he told MassLive's Chris Cotillo that he was anticipating retiring after 2025. It will also mark Martin's second stint with the Rangers, having pitched for them from 2018-19.
The 38-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Boston Red Sox, who had interest in retaining Martin and offered him more money, a source told Rob Bradford of Audacity Sports. However, he ultimately took fewer dollars in order to pitch at home.
Martin has quietly been one of the best relievers in baseball since 2020. Over that span, he's put up the lowest BB/9 rate (1.06) among qualified relievers while allowing just 18 home runs. In 2023, he earned some down-ballot Cy Young votes after posting a sparkling 1.05 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while surrendering only eight walks and two homers in 51 1/3 innings.
Martin was limited to 45 appearances this past season because of shoulder and elbow injuries, and he also missed time due to anxiety. When healthy, he was still effective, putting up a 3.45 ERA, 2.78 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP along with 50 strikeouts and just three walks.
He gives Rangers manager Bruce Bochy another new high-leverage weapon out of the bullpen. Texas has been busy upgrading its relief corps this winter, having previously added Jacob Webb, Hoby Milner, and Shawn Armstrong in free agency while also trading for left-hander Robert Garcia.
Martin owns a lifetime 3.38 ERA, 2.96 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP with 357 strikeouts and 14 saves over parts of nine big-league seasons with seven teams. He earned a World Series ring as a member of the Atlanta Braves in 2021.
To make room for Martin on the 40-man roster, Texas designated right-hander Matt Festa for assignment.
