Bold claim: Chris Martin is back in the Rangers’ bullpen on a one-year deal, and the veteran right-hander isn’t showing signs of slowing down. He’s in agreement on a contract that will keep him with Texas for the 2026 season, pending a physical, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The team has not officially announced the deal yet.
As Martin enters what will be his age-40 season, he remains a remarkable presence on the mound at 6-foot-8. Last season he relied on a four-seam fastball that averaged 94.7 mph, complemented by a cutter, splitter, sinker, and a sweeper. His career arc has been extraordinary: drafted by the Rockies in 2005, he suffered a torn labrum and was out of baseball for years until 2010 when he attempted a comeback in independent ball in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Martin’s MLB journey continued with the Red Sox around 2011, followed by a trade to Colorado before the 2014 season, which marked his major-league debut with the Rockies. After challenging stretches with Colorado and the Yankees in 2015, he kept his career alive abroad in Japan, excelling from 2016–17 with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball.
The Rangers, his hometown team, brought him back ahead of the 2018 campaign. Since then, Martin has been a reliable contributor across eight seasons, posting a 3.04 ERA over 352 2/3 innings for Texas, the Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, and Red Sox. He spent last year back with Texas, recording a 2.98 ERA in 49 appearances.
Key takeaways for fans: Martin’s durability and late-career resurgence exemplify how a pitcher can reinvent himself and remain effective even as the calendar advances. His blend of power and secondary pitches makes him a versatile option out of the bullpen.
Now, as the Rangers look to strengthen their bullpen depth, Martin’s return could be a stabilizing factor in high-leverage moments. But here’s where it gets controversial: some may wonder if a 40-year-old reliever with recent injury history is a long-term bet for a team aiming for deep October runs. Do you view this move as a smart, low-risk veteran depth addition, or as a potential gamble that could limit opportunities for younger relievers?
What’s your take? Do you think Martin can sustain elite-level performance in 2026, or might the workload catch up? Share your thoughts in the comments.
