The Texas Rangers are bringing back a familiar face - and a hometown one at that - as veteran reliever Chris Martin has agreed to a one-year deal to return to Arlington for the 2026 season. While financial terms haven’t been disclosed, the move signals the club’s continued interest in reinforcing the bullpen with experienced arms.
Martin, now 39, has taken a winding path through professional baseball, one that’s included a stint in Japan, a trade deadline deal, and a series of stops across the National League. After originally signing with Texas in 2018 following two seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, Martin was traded to Atlanta in 2019 in exchange for left-hander Kolby Allard. Since then, he’s logged innings for the Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, and Red Sox before circling back to the Rangers for what he had previously indicated would be his final season in 2025.
But after a solid showing last year - when he was healthy - Martin is back for at least one more run. And if he can stay on the mound, he could be a key piece in the Rangers’ bullpen puzzle.
In 2025, Martin posted a 2.98 ERA and a 3.58 FIP across 42.1 innings in 49 appearances. Those are strong numbers, especially considering the physical setbacks he faced.
His season was interrupted by multiple trips to the injured list, including one particularly alarming stretch in May when he exited one game after a single pitch, then left another five days later without throwing at all. Durability was a concern, but when he was available, Martin gave the Rangers quality innings and veteran poise.
The challenge now is managing that availability. Despite missing two months, Martin still appeared in 49 games last season - and 12 of those came on zero days’ rest.
That’s a heavy lift for any reliever, let alone one in his late 30s with recent injury history. The Rangers will likely need to be more intentional with his workload in 2026, especially if they want to keep him fresh for the stretch run.
Still, when healthy, Martin may well be the most impactful arm Texas has added to its bullpen this offseason. He brings command, experience, and a calm presence in high-leverage spots - all things this team could use as it looks to build on its recent success.
For Martin, it’s another shot to contribute in his hometown, possibly for the final time. For the Rangers, it’s a calculated bet on a veteran who’s proven he can still get outs - as long as his body holds up.