The Boston Red Sox explored many options to improve their team over the 2024-25 offseason. They coveted two of the familiar faces they played in their Opening Day matchup against the Texas Rangers on March 27.
The Red Sox made an effort to sign Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Martin this offseason, and their final decisions came down to Boston and Texas, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI. Both of the Texas natives — Martin went to high school in Arlington, the same city as the Rangers' home park — opted to play in their home state, even after the Red Sox offered more money.
The Rays traded Eovaldi to the Red Sox before the 2018 trade deadline, and he immediately endeared himself to Boston fans. He eventually became a playoff hero with a six-inning relief outing in Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers. The game ended when he allowed a walk-off homer to Max Muncy, but his 98-pitch outing was selfless and kept the Sox in a position to win for 18 innings.
Eovaldi got the nod on Opening Day from 2020-22 with the Red Sox, and he answered the call on March 27 for the Rangers. He posted six two-run innings with nine strikeouts and held the top of Boston's order hitless all evening.
Red Sox almost landed free agents Nathan Eovaldi and Chris Martin before they signed with Rangers
Like Eovaldi, Chris Martin's final decision this offseason came down to the Red Sox and Rangers. The Red Sox offered more money, but Martin wanted to stay closer ot home.
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) March 27, 2025
Martin also posted a great first performance with the Rangers. He entered the game in the top of the seventh inning to fan Connor Wong for the third out, then got out of the eighth frame without letting up a run. He finished his outing with two strikeouts and let up just one hit.
Martin, 38, was one of Boston's most reliable relievers from 2023-24. He owned the lowest ERA of any qualified pitcher in MLB in 2023 with a 1.05 over 51.1 innings. He regressed a bit in 2024, as expected, but remained a pillar of the bullpen with a 3.45 ERA in 44.1 innings.
The veteran debated retiring after his final season with the Red Sox but decided he would pitch one more season. Boston tried its best to keep him by offering more money than the Rangers, but playing close to home was a priority for Martin.
Eovaldi and Martin would look great in Sox uniforms this year, especially with the early pitcher injuries Boston is dealing with in the season's early goings. Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito, Kutter Crawford and Liam Hendriks will be sidelined for the first few weeks — or maybe months, in Crawford's case — of the campaign, and Eovaldi and Martin could've increased the Sox's already improved depth.