Chris Martin's time with the Boston Red Sox is over.
Martin, one of the best setup relievers in baseball the last two seasons, signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers on Monday, according to a team announcement. The value of his contract wasn't immediately known.
A Texas native, Martin played for the Rangers in 2018 and 2019. He then played for three teams from 2020 through 2022 before signing a two-year deal with Boston in 2023.
The Red Sox reportedly didn't let Martin go without a fight. In fact, the 39-year-old turned down a "more lucrative offer" from Boston before signing with his hometown team, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.
Martin was incredible for Boston in 2023. In 55 appearances, the righthander posted a 1.05 ERA and 1.032 WHIP and finished 12th in American League Cy Young Award voting. He regressed in 2024, compiling a 3.45 ERA and 1.128 WHIP while enduring multiple stints on the injured list.
In September, Martin told MassLive's Chris Cotillo that the 2025 season likely would be his last in Major League Baseball.
"To be 100% honest, I think next year will be my last year," Martin said. "We have a fourth (child) on the way. Obviously I want to be there for them. And they're getting to the ages where they're starting to play sports. I'm getting older.
"Obviously, 40 years old and playing baseball is going to be hard on me mentally and physically. I think that probably will be the cutoff."
