Reliever Chris Martin has reached an agreement on a one-year contract to rejoin the Texas Rangers, as first reported by MLB.com’s ⁣Mark Feinsand on December 17, 2025. The deal⁢ is pending a physical and has not yet been officially confirmed by⁣ the club.
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2025 Performance and Bullpen Context

Martin is the first reliever the Rangers have brought back from thier 2025 bullpen, which finished fifth in Major League Baseball with a 3.62 ERA. The Rangers are reportedly still pursuing other free agent relievers, including Shawn Armstrong and Josh Sborz, to further ⁤bolster their bullpen depth.

In 49 appearances for the Rangers in ⁢2025, Martin posted a solid 2.98 ERA. However, his performance dipped in the second half of the season, ⁣where he pitched only 9 2/3 innings‍ due to‍ multiple injuries.
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Injury History and Offseason Uncertainty

Martin’s 2025 season was significantly impacted by health issues. He experienced⁣ multiple stints on the injured list (IL) due ⁢to shoulder fatigue, a pair of calf strains, and thoracic outlet syndrome, ultimately ‍ending ⁤his year prematurely.

⁤ As of December 17, 2025, it remains unclear⁤ whether Martin underwent surgery ‍during the offseason to address any of these conditions. The Rangers will likely assess his medical status⁤ thoroughly during the physical examination.

Rangers Bullpen Outlook ‍for 2026

The Rangers’ ⁤bullpen performance in 2025⁢ was a key factor in their success. Re-signing Martin⁣ provides a familiar and potentially effective arm. However, addressing the depth concerns exposed by his late-season injuries and the potential departures of other relievers will be ⁤crucial for maintaining a competitive bullpen in 2026.