The Boston Red Sox have a long history of finding elite relievers. In fact, the bullpen is usually a strength for the Red Sox, especially the back end. They’ve employed the likes of Hideki Okajima, Koji Uehara, Craig Kimbrel, Jonathan Papelbon, and plenty of other names throughout their history. That’s why it’s interesting to note when a Red Sox reliever joins a list as Chris Martin has.
Chris Martin on an Elite List of Red Sox Relievers
Since signing his 2-year $13.5 million contract before the 2023 season, Chris Martin has anchored the Boston Red Sox bullpen behind Kenley Jansen. He won’t receive save opportunities, but he’s become one of the most important pieces to their bullpen puzzle. Martin has thrown 55.1 innings during his tenure with the club. He’s amassed 51 strikeouts and a sparkling 0.98 ERA that has led the majors since the start of last season. His 2023 was strong enough to garner Cy Young votes, where he ended up 12th in the voting.
The 39-year-old has seemingly found a new gear since July 30th, 2023, when the righty last gave up a run. That’s right—zero runs across 23 innings of work, with 24 appearances out of the Boston Red Sox bullpen. The only other qualified reliever in baseball to have the same kind of streak going is Brusdar Graterol of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This feat is so impressive that Chris Martin has found himself on a pretty elite list of Boston Red Sox relievers. His 24 scoreless appearances rank him fourth all-time behind Daniel Bard, Josh Taylor, and Koji Uehara. Uehara threw 27 straight scoreless appearances. Martin could very well find himself atop this list if he keeps it up.
Most consecutive scoreless appearances for the Red Sox:
27 Koji Uehara (2013)
26 Josh Taylor (2021)
25 Daniel Bard (2011)
24 CHRIS MARTIN (2023-24)Martin has allowed 0 runs in his last 23.0 IP (beginning 7/30/23).
— J.P. Long (@SoxNotes) April 3, 2024
What Makes Chris Martin Successful?
The one thing about Chris Martin that is the most impactful is his ability to throw strikes. It sounds like a cliche, but his 4.5 BB% since the end of July 2023 says otherwise. Since the streak started, he’s walked four batters, which ties him for ninth in the league with 11 other relievers. Martin has thrown 98 pitches that went for a ball, which ranks sixth among qualified relievers.
His ability to throw strikes and eliminate baserunners has helped him keep this streak alive. Overall, Chris Martin has been an anchor for the Boston Red Sox. If they do fall out of contention, he could be a nice piece for a playoff run on a contending team. The hope is, however, that the Red Sox are relevant this season. and Chris Martin is a key part of what the Red Sox do.
The Boston Red Sox are off to a fast start, running 5-2 over the first week of the season. Martin has appeared in four games this season, striking out five and walking none.
