Acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline, Chris Martin was a welcomed addition to the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen for the remainder of the season.
The 36-year-old, originally selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 21st round of the 2005 MLB Draft, became a staple for the Dodgers down the stretch as he delivered an impressive 1.46 ERA in 24.2 innings.
Combining 60 total appearances last year between the Cubs and Dodgers, Martin posted a 3.05 ERA in 56 innings of work while striking out 74 batters. Interestingly enough, Martin’s season ERA dropped almost an entire three runs when comparing stints with the Dodgers and Cubs.
Along with Dodgers pitching coaches, Martin credited Austin Barnes and Will Smith for being key to his improvement.
Chris Martin 2022 highlight
After making his Dodgers debut on August 1 against the San Francisco Giants, Martin saw September as his brightest month.
Allowing just two earned runs across 12 appearances in September, ERA of 1.50 was a season-best for a full month of work. In addition to a .159 batting average against during September, Martin also carried a stellar 0.67 WHIP.
Beyond his work in the month of September, Martin also delivered two scoreless outings against the San Diego Padres in the National League Division series.
Prior to both of those highlights, Martin additionally struck out four batters in one inning against the Milwaukee Brewers.
2023 outlook
After becoming a free agent this offseason, Martin’s tenure with the Dodgers officially came to an end as he was inked to a two-year, $17.5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox in early December.
For Martin, who returns to the Red Sox organization after signing and spending three seasons as a Minor Leaguer in their system beginning in 2011, he becomes a vital part of the American League East team’s efforts to improve upon their bullpen, which carried the fourth-worst ERA (4.59) last season.
Martin joins relievers Joely Rodríguez and Kenley Jansen as the newest pillars of Boston’s relief staff.
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