Chris Martin Eyes 2026 Return After Strong Season with Rangers
Chris Martin isn’t done yet.
The 39-year-old right-handed reliever, who had previously hinted that 2025 would be his final season, is now planning to return for what would be his 11th year in the big leagues. It’s a surprising but welcome twist for a pitcher who, despite battling injuries, delivered another solid campaign in 2025.
Martin signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers last offseason, choosing to return home to Arlington over more lucrative offers, including one from the Red Sox. At the time, it looked like a storybook ending - the hometown kid wrapping up his career in Texas. But after a 2025 season that saw him post a 2.98 ERA across 49 appearances, Martin appears to have found more left in the tank.
The numbers back it up. In 42 1/3 innings, Martin struck out 43 and walked just eight - a continuation of the elite control that’s defined his career resurgence. Even with time missed due to a left calf strain, shoulder fatigue, and thoracic outlet syndrome, Martin remained a high-leverage option out of the bullpen when healthy.
Now, with his plans to pitch in 2026 taking shape, the Red Sox are reportedly interested in bringing him back. Martin pitched for Boston in 2023 and 2024, and the two sides are familiar with what each brings to the table.
But don’t count the Rangers out just yet. Martin turned down bigger offers last winter to pitch in Texas - a move that suggests he values more than just dollars, especially if he still sees a chance to chase a ring or finish his career on his own terms.
Martin’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. He didn’t debut in the majors until age 28, breaking in with the Rockies in 2014 after being traded by the Red Sox the previous offseason.
His first stint in the big leagues was rocky - a 6.89 ERA in 15 2/3 innings with Colorado - and he was traded to the Yankees the following year. After another up-and-down season in New York, Martin took his talents to Japan, where he spent two seasons refining his game.
That time overseas proved pivotal. When Martin returned to MLB, he rejoined the Rangers in 2018, posting a 4.54 ERA that year and improving to a 3.40 ERA in 2019 before being traded to the Braves. He became a key bullpen piece in Atlanta, helping the team win the 2021 World Series.
Since then, he’s bounced around - stints with the Cubs and Dodgers in 2022, then two strong seasons in Boston before his return to Texas. Through it all, Martin has evolved into one of the league’s most consistent and dependable late-inning arms. His command, calm demeanor, and ability to limit walks make him a manager’s dream in tight games.
Now, with 2026 on the horizon, the question becomes: where does Martin finish this next chapter? The Red Sox are in the mix, and the Rangers would be wise to keep the door open. Martin’s value goes beyond the stat sheet - he brings veteran leadership, postseason experience, and a presence that young bullpens can lean on.
If 2025 was supposed to be the farewell tour, Martin’s encore might be just as compelling.