Red Sox Interested In World Series-Winning Pitcher Entering Age-40 Season

Texas Rangers reliever Chris Martin pitches during 2025 game.

Chris Martin looked like a safe bet to retire after the 2025 MLB season, but that plan is suddenly off the table. 

A new report says the veteran reliever intends to pitch in 2026, and a familiar team is already circling the idea.

Chris Martin Red Sox reunion chatter is heating up

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, Martin is planning to keep going in 2026, and there is interest from the Boston Red Sox in a possible reunion. 

After two seasons in Boston, the Red Sox know the arm, the person, and how he plays in leverage situations. During his previous tenure with Boston, Martin recorded a 2.16 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, with 96 strikeouts across 95.2 innings and 100 appearances. He also finished 21 games and converted five saves.

Why the Boston Red Sox could take another look at Chris Martin

Martin’s 2025 run with the Texas Rangers was strong when he was available, posting a 2.98 ERA across 42.1 innings out of the bullpen. 

His health is the only thing teams are wrestling with.

He hit the injured list multiple times, including a thoracic outlet syndrome diagnosis, which is the kind of note that can scare off clubs or push deals into prove it territory.

Still, if Martin is truly set on returning, Boston makes a lot of sense as a landing spot. The Red Sox can sell him on comfort and role clarity, while Martin gives them a veteran strike thrower who can stabilize the middle and late innings if his body cooperates.

Photo Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images