Bold claim: Chris Martin isn’t done yet—he’s aiming to return in 2026 for an 11th MLB season.
In September 2024, Martin said he was “95%” sure 2025 would be his final year before retirement. That small sliver of possibility has apparently grown into a reality, as MassLive’s Chris Cotillo reports that Martin plans to come back in 2026. The Red Sox have shown interest in a potential reunion, given that Martin pitched for Boston during the 2023–24 seasons.
Martin spent 2025 with the Rangers on a one-year, $5.5 million contract. He reportedly turned down larger offers from the Red Sox and others to sign with Texas, which fueled the impression that 2025 might be his swan song. He still delivered a strong season: a 2.98 ERA, a 24.7% strikeout rate, and an exceptional 4.6% walk rate across 42 1/3 innings out of the Texas bullpen.
Health has been a recurring theme for Martin. He hit the injured list multiple times in back-to-back seasons, with issues including right shoulder fatigue, a left calf strain, and most concerning, thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), diagnosed in September. Since retirement was the prevailing narrative, there wasn’t clear information about whether he underwent TOS surgery. It appears he either hasn’t chosen surgery or his diagnosis didn’t necessitate it.
With the TOS question mark and other injuries, plus the fact that he’ll turn 40 in June, questions about his ability to keep defying Father Time are understandable. Yet Martin remains one of baseball’s premier control pitchers, and he’s still posting solid results. It makes sense that he’d want to keep playing as long as he feels capable.
Boston, having recently seen Martin in a Red Sox uniform, knows his health history well. That familiarity could help the team manage his workload to maximize his health in 2026. A one-year deal at a modest salary would carry little risk for Boston, while the upside remains substantial if Martin stays healthy and productive. The Red Sox are known to be seeking experienced bullpen help, and Cotillo mentioned potential reunion targets, including former Sox teammate Justin Wilson and left-hander Danny Coulombe, both of whom could fit the club’s bullpen plans.
If you were following this storyline, what’s your take: Should Boston pursue a short-term reunion with Martin in 2026, or would you rather see him step away for good this time? And if a comeback happens, how do you think the workload should be managed to balance performance with longevity?
