Veteran Red Sox reliever leaves door open for return with 2025 announcement

Few insiders expect the Boston Red Sox to re-sign impending free-agent reliever Chris Martin, but a recent update from the veteran could leave the door open for another season with Boston.

Martin turned 38 in June and there's been plenty of speculation about his plans for the future. The righty told Christopher Smith of MassLive that he thinks 2025 will be his final season in the big leagues.

In the middle of the 2023 campaign, Martin emphasized his desire to play as long as possible, but he seems to have changed his mind in the year since his original comments. Martin spent considerable time on the injured list in his age-38 season, including bouts with elbow inflammation and a public stint with anxiety, but he was nearly untouchable in 2023. He posted a 1.05 ERA over 51.1 innings, the lowest ERA for any qualified pitcher that season.

If Martin only wants to play one more season, it could present a perfect opportunity for the Red Sox to sign him back. Boston isn't likely to commit to the veteran Martin or 37-year-old Kenley Jansen for multiple seasons, but a one-year deal could be ideal for both sides.

If Chris Martin is only going to pitch one more season, it should be with the Red Sox

Martin has been a crucial setup man for the Sox and an anchor for their relatively young and inexperienced bullpen. He posted a 3.35 ERA with 47 strikeouts and just two walks over 40.1 innings this season. Boston's bullpen crumbled after the All-Star break, but Martin has been one of the precious few who kept it together. He's clocked a 2.48 ERA in his past 30 appearances.

If Martin will play another season in Boston, the Red Sox should bring him back to finish out his career. He's posted an outstanding 2.06 ERA for them over two seasons of work, and he's shown few to no signs of regression in 2024.

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