Red Sox reliever Chris Martin is healthy and looking to build off last season, focused on pitching beyond 2024
Chris Martin was one of the few bright spots for the Red Sox last season. The veteran reliever was dominant out of the bullpen offering manager Alex Cora a high-leverage relief option on a regular basis.
The 37-year-old appeared in 55 games for the Red Sox in 2023 posting a 4-1 record with a 1.05 ERA and three saves. Over 55 1/3 innings, he only surrendered six runs, all earned with 46 strikeouts and owned a 1.032 WHIP and 2.44 FIP. He also finished 12th in American League Cy Young voting, grabbing one vote as a reliever.
“I felt like it was a pretty good year,” Martin said to The Boston Globe. “Not to sound like I have a big ego, but I think I’ve pitched better. A lot of things went my way last year.”
He was pretty good, in fact when he pitched the Red Sox were 41-14 last season, when he didn’t, they went 37-70 in games.
Martin signed with the Red Sox last winter, inking a two-year, $17.5 million pact. With free agency looming this winter, Martin plans to continue to pitch beyond 2024.
“As long as this long, lanky old body allows me to,” Martin said. “I don’t think I can walk away as long as I’m healthy. As long as I can keep up with these young guys, I’ll see how many years I can go.”
Martin could see his role expand in 2024 especially if the Red Sox trade current closer Kenley Jansen. The tall righty has 12 career saves and would be the most logical choice for Boston if Jansen is moved.
Another option for the ninth inning could be Tanner Houck, the righty is currently battling for a spot in the Red Sox rotation. Houck has some experience closing games.
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When Martin signed with the Red Sox, it was with the hopes he could experience playoff baseball at Fenway Park. He held up his end of the bargain having a huge year out of the bullpen. The club on the other hand missed the postseason.
“I mean, that's the goal,” Martin said to Ian M. Browne of MLB.com. “I'm trying to have a good season so the team has a good season. This season right now is kind of bittersweet. I’m having a good year, but we're out of the playoffs.”
