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Free Agent Profile: Chris Martin can be an under-the-radar bullpen contributor for the Blue Jays
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Photo credit: © David Butler II-Imagn Images
Veronica Chung
Dec 8, 2024, 20:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 8, 2024, 13:59 EST
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Right-hander Chris Martin has established himself as a go-to arm in the bullpen throughout the past few seasons and further proved that with the Boston Red Sox in the last two years. After a rocky start to his career and a two-year stint in Japan, Martin returned to the Major Leagues in 2018 and has continued to put forward solid numbers year after year. 
Heading into the 2025 season, the reliever market continues to be in flux and Martin finds himself in the mix. Here’s how the reliever’s free agency could unfold and where he may end up. 
Chris Martin’s 2024
Compared to his laser-sharp year in 2023 with an earned-run average (ERA) of 1.05, Martin’s latest campaign was still strong but a minor step back in comparison. 
Through 45 games, Martin produced a 3.45 ERA and a 0.9 fWAR in 2024. He amassed a 1.128 WHIP and a stellar 2.78 FIP while seeing a sharp increase in his K/9 percent (10.2 vs. 8.1 the year before). Martin also improved his command to the tune of a 0.6 BB/9 and issued just three walks on the season. 
Last season, Martin had multiple stints on the IL, appearing in the least amount of games in his career since the 2015 season (outside of the 2020 shortened campaign). Martin landed on the IL in early June due to anxiety and openly discussed his mental health struggles to destigmatize the idea of these challenges among athletes. He also missed almost all of July with right elbow inflammation and finished the campaign with a 1.89 FIP through 18 innings. 
Going back to his numbers, Martin regressed in a few different areas, most notably in his H/9 (9.5) while surrendering five home runs on the season (1.0 HR/9). Opposing hitters were also putting the bat on the ball at a higher rate, authoring a .276/.298/.382 slash line with a .359 BAbip – which was a career-high. 
Splits-wise, Martin has also been more effective against right-handed batters as he produced a .268 batting average (BA) compared to his numbers against left-handed batters (.284). This doesn’t fit the norm of Martin’s career numbers, where RHBs own a higher OPS and batting average compared to left-handed hitters. 
Chris Martin’s contract
For the 2024 offseason, Martin’s market will be trickier as he competes with other relief pitchers in a tight market.
Since he will be turning 39 during the 2025 season, teams could err on the side of caution given Martin’s age but the commitment to the reliever will be limited to a short-term deal. Martin has previously stated that this campaign will likely be his last. However, clubs have not shied away from veteran reliever arms approaching their age-40 season if they have the track record to back it up – something Martin can argue in his favour. 
Martin’s last contract was a two-year, $17.5 million contract two years ago and he will most likely find a deal within the $5-8 million range this winter. 
Chris Martin’s fit with the Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays need bullpen arms this winter and if the club is looking for a short-term deal, Chris Martin is a potential name to consider. His past two seasons proved he can pitch in the AL East and while his 2024 campaign was a step back in some aspects while he dealt with some injury/anxiety concerns, his numbers still outclass numerous internal options the Jays currently have to work with.
The reliever also performed well in medium and high-leverage situations with a .254 and .195 average respectively and could slot in nicely as a middle reliever or a setup man. 
Despite the aging curve and with retirement on the horizon, Martin could become an underrated weapon for the Blue Jays bullpen in the 2025 season if the value makes sense.

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