“Rangers Bring Back Veteran Reliever: A Familiar Face to Keep Their Bullpen in the Hunt, Proving That ‘If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It’ Ahead of 2026 Season.”
The Texas Rangers’ bullpen just got stronger. In a move that will undoubtedly bring stability and depth to their pitching staff, the Rangers have reportedly agreed to terms on a new deal with veteran reliever Chris Martin. The news, first broken by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, signals a key move in the team’s off-season efforts to keep their bullpen sharp and ready for 2026.
A Veteran’s Return
Chris Martin, a towering six-foot-eight right-hander, played a crucial role in the Rangers’ success in 2025. Appearing in 49 games, the 39-year-old posted an impressive 2.98 ERA and a solid 1.20 WHIP, alongside 43 strikeouts over 42.1 innings. His high-leverage presence out of the bullpen made him one of the team’s most reliable arms.
The native of Arlington, Texas, will now return to his hometown team, where he previously delivered clutch performances. Though he’ll be turning 40 next June, Martin’s wealth of Major League experience – 418 appearances to be exact – is invaluable. Throughout his career, Martin has logged a 3.33 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a strikeout-per-inning average, establishing himself as a proven weapon in relief.
A Familiar Face in the Pen
The addition of Martin is about more than just his performance on the mound; it’s also about continuity. The Rangers bullpen, one of the best in baseball last season, finished with the fifth-best ERA in MLB at 3.62. Martin’s return ensures that the team maintains its depth and experience in the late innings, which could prove crucial in what promises to be another highly competitive season.
Familiar Success, New Challenges
While Martin’s return is a win for the Rangers, the team still faces the challenge of bouncing back from missing the postseason in 2025. Despite having one of the top pitching staffs in baseball, the Rangers fell short of October baseball for the second consecutive year after winning the World Series in 2023. With Martin, along with other key bullpen contributors like Jacob Latz, Shawn Armstrong, Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Robert Garcia, the bullpen remains a strength. However, it’s likely that GM Chris Young will look to make adjustments to the position player group to create more balance and ensure the team can break through in 2026.
Looking Ahead
While Passan’s report didn’t include the specific financial details of Martin’s new deal, he earned $5.5 million for the 2025 season, so it’s reasonable to expect a similar commitment. Regardless of the salary, Martin’s re-signing signals a commitment to building a well-rounded roster that can challenge for postseason contention. As the 2026 season looms, all eyes will be on Texas to see how their pitching staff, led by Martin’s return, can lead them back into the playoff picture.
With a bullpen as formidable as theirs, the Rangers are poised to turn their fortunes around – and Martin, now a key part of that equation, will be in the center of it all.