MLB news

Martin originally intended to retire following the 2025 season, but he opted to re-sign with the Rangers for his age-40 campaign, which turned out to be a bust. Martin battled shoulder issues and had a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings before being released in August and finishing the year out of the league. Martin often had issues staying healthy, didn’t make his MLB debut until his age-28 season in 2014, spent 2016 and ’17 in Japan, but he wound up making 434 major league appearances with a 3.53 ERA and a 409/55 K/BB ratio. He never walked more than eight batters in a season, and in fact, both of his seasons with eight walks had three of those being intentional. Martin also had a 1.88 ERA in 16 postseason appearances and helped the Braves win the World Series in 2021. His 3.3 percent walk rate is the lowest among all pitchers to throw 400 innings since 1920.

Martin has almost always been effective when healthy, but that stopped at age 40 this year, as he gave up 14 earned runs in 14 innings for the Rangers. Still, given that his velocity hasn’t changed much, we’re guessing he’ll be offered minor league deals by a bunch of contenders.

With the Rangers suddenly looking to sell, they’re apparently hoping someone will pick up the approximately $1.3 million that Martin is still owed this season. The 40-year-old righty had been on the IL with a shoulder impingement since July 12, though he’d pitched six times on a rehab assignment. He’s given up 14 earned runs in 14 innings while healthy this year, but his velocity hasn’t really changed.

Martin has been battling a shoulder injury that cost him the entire month of June and then sidelined him again on July 12th. It’s good to see that he’s back throwing in games so quickly. He struck out one and didn’t allow a baserunner in this one. The 40-year-old could be back with the Rangers by early next week.

Martin missed the entire month of June with the same issue, returning from the injured list on July 4. Now he’s back on the shelf with no clear timeline or when he may be able to rejoin the Rangers’ bullpen. Emiliano Teodo was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to take his place.

Martin return coincides with setup specialist Jakob Junis hitting the shelf with a hip impingement, which means he could be thrust into some high-leverage spots ahead of closer Jacob Latz right out of the gate. The 40-year-old veteran reliever is back after missing nearly five weeks with a shoulder impingement.

Martin’s absence leaves the Rangers without one of their better high-leverage arms behind Jacob Latz, who has seemingly taken over as the club’s closer. The 39-year-old veteran has dealt with shoulder issues for a couple years and is likely facing a multi-week absence.

Martin returns to Texas’ high-leverage mix for Tuesday’s contest against the Rockies after missing nearly five weeks recovering from a shoulder impingement. The 39-year-old veteran remains a highly effective late-inning arm, but he’s dealt with a plethora of physical issues in recent years, which isn’t completely unexpected at this stage of his career.

Martin will get some extra time off to rest and recover after experiencing arm fatigue earlier this week. The 39-year-old veteran remains an effective high-leverage option when he’s healthy. Some durability issues aren’t unexpected at his advanced age.

Martin is no stranger to the IL, and he might be headed there again. He’s opened this season by giving up six runs — five earned — in 6 1/3 innings over eight appearances.

The Rangers already have to be regretting not making a real investment in their pen during the offseason. The 39-year-old Martin, who said last season was likely to be his last, will probably bounce back after giving up four earned runs over 2 2/3 innings in his first four appearances, but he’ll also probably get hurt at some point. The Rangers really need a youngster or two from the group including Emiliano Teodo, Marc Church and Luis Curvelo to step it up and emerge as contributors.

The Rangers couldn’t resist using their three best relievers, Martin, Robert Garcia and Cole Winn, for the third time in four game tonight, so like they were Monday, they’ll be shorthanded against Wednesday unless they’re willing to use those guys four times in five days. Martin would seem to be very easy to rule out. If Garcia is unavailable, too, maybe Tyler Alexander will get his third save chance already.

This one was a combined blown save from the Rangers’ top two closer candidates. Robert Garcia started the inning with a three-run lead. He got two quick outs before a single and a walk put two runners on. Martin came in to face right-hander Adolis García, who doubled to score a run. Brandon Marsh then knocked a base hit to tie the game. Martin eventually got out of the inning tied before Tyler Alexander secured a save in the tenth inning for Texas, with Martin credited for the win. Expect Garcia and Martin to continue to work in a committee for save chances.

He’ll get a $2 million bonus, a $2 million salary and $200,000 each for 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 innings, which could bring the total value of the deal to $5 million. The 39-year-old Martin almost surely could have done better elsewhere, but he again wanted to be close to home as he finishes up his career.

Martin will once again be a high-leverage option for the Rangers after posting an excellent 2.98 ERA and 48/8 K/BB over 42 1/3 innings across 49 appearances. The right-hander won’t be fantasy relevant unless he gains saves, and that’s far from a guarantee in 2026.

He’s back. Martin returns to bolster Texas’ high-leverage mix after compiling a pristine 2.98 ERA — 3.58 FIP — 1.20 WHIP and 48/8 K/BB ratio across 42 1/3 innings over 49 appearances. The durability questions are real, but the 39-year-old’s ability to navigate the most volatile innings in baseball remains firmly intact.

Martin, 39, had a 2.16 ERA for the Red Sox between 2023 and ’24 and the Red Sox wanted to bring him back last winter, but he decided he was going to pitch for one more year and wanted to finish up close to his home in Texas. Apparently, he’s reconsidered now, even though he ended the season on the shelf with thoracic outlet syndrome. Before that, Martin had a 2.98 ERA in 42 1/3 innings for the Rangers. There are probably several contenders that would be interested in bringing on board if he shows he’s healthy.

It’s an unfortunate end to what was a very solid season for the 39-year-old hurler. Martin finishes the season with a 2.98 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and a 43/8 K/BB ratio across 42 1/3 innings in 49 appearances. Set to hit free agency at season’s end, it’s fair to wonder whether or not we have seen the last of Martin in the big leagues.