The Texas Rangers are keeping a familiar face in their bullpen, agreeing to a one-year contract with veteran right-hander Chris Martin, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, but Texas has the flexibility to finalize the signing without making a corresponding roster move, as the club currently has open spots on its 40-man roster.

Martin’s return comes at a time when many assumed the 17-year MLB veteran might be nearing the end of his playing career. The right-hander turned 39 in June and endured a challenging 2025 season that was marked by multiple trips to the injured list.

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He first landed on the IL in May with shoulder fatigue, then returned briefly before being sidelined again in July due to a calf strain.

Most concerning, however, was the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome that prematurely ended his season in late September, a condition that has derailed or ended the careers of several pitchers.

Given that medical history and Martin’s age, retirement seemed like a realistic possibility. That narrative shifted earlier this month when reports surfaced indicating Martin intended to pitch in 2026.

While the specifics of his current health status have not been made public, the Rangers’ willingness to bring him back suggests the organization is confident he can still provide value in a relief role.

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Texas’ decision also aligns with the club’s recent bullpen-building strategy. Operating under financial limitations in recent seasons, the Rangers have leaned heavily on short-term, low-risk contracts to assemble their relief corps.

Last offseason, that approach led to one-year deals for Martin, Hoby Milner, Luke Jackson, Jacob Webb, and Shawn Armstrong. The results were encouraging, as Texas’ bullpen performed well throughout the 2025 campaign.

However, the downside of that strategy was evident once the season ended, with nearly the entire group reaching free agency simultaneously.

As the Rangers turn their attention to 2026, they once again face the task of reconstructing the bullpen while working within a tighter budget.

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The club has already taken a few steps in that direction, signing left-hander Tyler Alexander to a modest one-year deal and reportedly reaching an agreement with Alexis Díaz. Re-signing Martin adds another experienced arm to the mix, particularly one who is unlikely to command a significant salary given his age and recent injury history.

Payroll projections currently place Texas roughly $50 million below its 2025 spending level for the upcoming season. While that reduction offers some breathing room, expectations are that the Rangers will operate with fewer than $50 million in available funds.

Those resources must be spread across several needs, including adding to the starting rotation and finding a right-handed bat to bolster the lineup.

Within that context, retaining Martin represents a calculated gamble. If healthy, he brings veteran savvy, late-inning experience, and familiarity with the organization.

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For a team seeking cost-effective ways to remain competitive, the Rangers are betting that Chris Martin still has something left to offer—and that the risk is worth the potential reward.

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