The Boston Red Sox have added two intriguing pieces to their bullpen already this offseason, signing Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson, but they shouldn’t be done making moves.
Boston could still use more relief help, and NESN’s Tim Crowley recently suggested that the Red Sox should re-sign veteran reliever Chris Martin.
“Martin and Kenley Jansen held down the back of the bullpen with true veteran presence over the last two seasons. Both are free agents and who’s to say the Red Sox can’t bring one back?
“Martin feels like the far likelier reunion. He took a step back after a dominant 2023 season that earned him a Cy Young vote. Yes, he’s deep in his 30s but still throws plenty of strikes and can mentor capable arms to be an adult in the Red Sox bullpen. It may not dominate headlines, but Martin could still give the Red Sox value in 2025.”
Martin wasn’t his best in 2024, but he’s been a very consistent pitcher throughout his career (3.38 ERA, 1.131 WHIP and 9.3 K/9 in his nine seasons).
Boston has yet to add a right-handed reliever who can pitch high-leverage innings, and Martin has shown he can fill that role in the past, so signing him back on a short-term, affordable deal would be an interesting idea.
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