The Rangers announced on Friday evening that they’ve brought back veteran right-hander Chris Martin on a one-year deal. The ISE Baseball client reportedly receives a $4MM guarantee that includes a $2MM salary and deferred $2MM signing bonus. He can also earn an extra $1MM in incentives based on innings pitched. He’ll get $200K each for throwing 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 frames. Texas had a couple of 40-man vacancies and didn’t need to make a corresponding move.
Not so long ago, it seemed like Martin was on his way out the door. Just over a year ago, in September of 2024, he said he was 95% sure that 2025 would be his final season. He turned 39 years old in June and made a few trips to the injured list during the campaign. The first IL stint was in May due to shoulder fatigue, followed by another in July due to a calf strain. Most ominously, his season was ended in late September due to a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome.
Taken all together, it was fair to assume he would be hanging up his spikes. But just a few days ago, it was reported that he was planning to pitch in 2026. His current health status isn’t known but presumably the Rangers feel good about what he can contribute next year.
When he was healthy enough to be on the mound in 2025, his results were still good. He was still averaging in the mid-90s with his four-seamer and sinker, while also mixing in a cutter, splitter, slider and knuckle curve. Long one of the best control pitchers in the majors, he tossed 42 1/3 innings while only walking 4.6% of batters faced. He also struck out 24.7% of opponents and got grounders on 42.6% of balls in play. Put that all together and he allowed 2.98 earned runs per nine innings for the year.
The Texas front office has been given some budgetary constraints over the past few years. Last winter, they put together their bullpen primarily via a series of small one-year deals. In addition to Martin, they also signed Hoby Milner, Luke Jackson, Jacob Webb and Shawn Armstrong. That actually ended up working quite well, as the Texas bullpen was pretty good in 2025. But since they limited themselves to one-year deals, almost the entire bullpen hit free agency at season’s end.
Going into 2026, they are looking to rebuild the relief corps but appear to again be working with limited resources. They recently signed lefty Tyler Alexander to a modest one-year deal. They also reportedly have an agreement with Alexis Díaz. The numbers on that deal haven’t been reported yet but it’s surely on the low side as well. Martin made $5.5MM in 2025. Given his age and the injuries he dealt with in 2025, he shouldn’t be in line for much of a raise, or any at all.
RosterResource currently projects the Rangers to have a 2026 payroll about $50MM lower than in 2025, but since they are expected to spend less on next year’s team, they should have less than $50MM to work with. They are looking to bolster the rotation and add a righty bat, but continuing to build out the bullpen is also on the to-do list.
Jeff Passan of ESPN first reported that Martin and the Rangers had a one-year deal. Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reported the guarantee and the deferred signing bonus. Jon Heyman of The New York Post first reported the incentives. Photo courtesy of Lon Horwedel, D. Ross Cameron, Imagn Images
Was hoping he would return to Boston.
nah- the Sox are only interested in being interested.
To bid up the price.
I think that only works in the springtime.
Never thought that was likely. He went to Texas last year to be close to home for his final season. That he decided to play one more wasn’t going to mean him leaving there if there was any chance of returning.
I wonder if he’ll be singing the national anthem on opening day as well? #coldplay
The wife laid down the law! Makes sense, best of luck to him.
The jumbotron has entered the chat!
Never can say goodbye.
If you can get that kind of money at that age after an unsettling recent medical history, why would you refuse it?
Well done, Chris.
Time will tell if it is good all around.
It was all yellow
He born in Arlington. Most likely a Ranger fan growing up.
We are on budget constraints but we sign a reliever that will spend most of the season on the IL! Martin was decent last season but u simply can’t count on him..
Perfect trade deadline candidate. I would be surprised if he’s in Texas all season.
So you think Texas isn’t going to be competitive?
Hmm sounds like a guy worth $5 million , not $15.
Seems worth it.
Pension eligibility?
Recovering from TOS , at his age, is a risky investment. Would have rather seen the money spent on bringing Shawn Armstrong back.
Loved him when he was with the Braves – throws strikes.
Home, home, where he wanted to go
Surprised looking at his career numbers that across his 10 years in the majors he only has pitched 389 innings.
The Savannah Bananas were afraid to sign him…they were all yellow 🫥
I’m just here for the Coldplay jokes
He used to rule the world.
He realized an extra $4m would be nice. 39 in MLB is old. But 39 in real life says he has a long time to spend and invest his money.
And maybe he just loves to play and thought he was washed up when he made those comments.
And the Rangers closer is…? I’d guess Fairbanks could do it but the piggy bank is in pieces. Texas is trying to g to rival the A’s for awful?