Boston Red Sox Set To Secure Top Pitcher On A lucrative Deal
The Boston Red Sox have already extended a qualifying offer worth $21.05 million to pitcher Nick Pivetta, and they may be considering bringing back another veteran right-hander to bolster their bullpen.
Chris Martin, one of the most reliable relief pitchers in Boston over the past two seasons, became an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2024 season. While Martin is free to explore opportunities with any team, his time with the Red Sox may not be over just yet.
“Clearly, we recognized the value he brought,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said during the GM Meetings on Wednesday, according to Mass Live’s Christopher Smith. “We saw it when he was on the mound and when he wasn’t available. So, we know we have some work ahead of us in rebuilding the bullpen, and there’s definitely a potential fit there.”
Martin’s arrival in Boston in 2022 was a pleasant surprise. Despite his age, the 38-year-old proved to be a key contributor, making 55 appearances and throwing 51 1/3 innings with a remarkable 1.05 ERA. His stellar performance earned him a 12th-place finish in the American League Cy Young vote. However, the Red Sox’s disappointing 78-84 finish, which saw them miss the postseason, meant Martin’s achievements were somewhat overlooked.
While it would be unrealistic to expect Martin to replicate that level of dominance at this stage in his career, he doesn’t need to post a 1.05 ERA to remain a valuable asset to the bullpen. There’s also the possibility that Martin could retire soon, a thought he expressed late in the 2024 season after posting a solid 3.45 ERA across 45 appearances. Martin struggled with elbow inflammation and anxiety-related issues in July, which led to a stint on the 15-day injured list.
Martin has hinted that 2025 could be his final season. “We have a fourth (child) on the way,” he said in September, according to Smith. “Obviously, I want to be there for them as they start getting into sports. I’m getting older, and playing baseball at 40 is going to be tough both mentally and physically. I’d say there’s a 95% chance that next year will be my last. But we’ll see. I don’t want to say 100%. If a team wants me, I’ll consider it, but right now I’m focused on these last 11 days.”
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