Brett Martin

Martin missed several weeks in 2020 due to a shoulder injury, but he limited run production over 14.2 relief innings, posting a 1.84 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. However, he allowed more walks than strikeouts, which suggests some pullback, especially considering his 6.44 xFIP and 6.21 SIERA. He logged a 1.2 HR/9 in 2020, but he's also limited meaningful contact with a 51.2 GB% and a .152 BABIP that would have ranked fifth among relievers if he had qualified. Martin has a solid 94.0 mph average fastball velocity, but he still struggled to strike out batters over a limited sample. He was slightly more effective over 51 appearances in 2019, posting a 22.1 K%. Martin was one of the Rangers' most stable relievers last year, but it remains to be seen whether he can maintain his production over a full season in 2021. If he can, the southpaw could certainly get some save chances, especially if his strikeout rate improves.

A starter for the bulk of his minor-league career, Martin transitioned to the bullpen in 2019 and found his way to the majors for the first time. He pitched in 51 games in an up-and-down rookie campaign, finishing the season with a 4.76 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. Martin's 3.65 FIP suggests that he pitched better than his surface numbers indicate, and he was certainly stung by a .340 BABIP, though it's worth noting that high BABIPs have followed him throughout his professional career. However, the southpaw's solid command (6.4 BB%) and ability to induce ground balls (53.7 GB%) portend improved numbers going forward, especially if he is able to inch his 8.95 K/9 closer to the 9.92 K/9 mark he averaged over his last three minor-league campaigns. Texas has not closed the door on moving Martin back into the rotation, but his best chance at sustained success is likely in the middle-relief role he filled last season.