Surprising Red Sox Hurler Has Chance To Make History This Season

The Boston Red Sox couldn't ask for much more out of relief pitcher Chris Martin. 

Martin signed with the Red Sox as a free agent this past offseason after spending the 2022 campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. It was unclear what Martin's role would be with the Red Sox entering the season, but he quickly took command of the late-inning setup role. The 37-year-old has not only been impressive but he's also been extremely dominant. 

The veteran righty has appeared in 51 games so far this season for Boston and has compiled a minuscule 1.14 ERA across 47 1/3 innings pitched. Martin even has a chance to compile the lowest ERA by a Red Sox pitcher who appeared in 50 games or more in a season if he can shine down the stretch, according to SoxNotes' J.P. Long. 

If the 2023 season were to end today, Martin would finish with the third-lowest ERA by a member of the Red Sox who appeared in 50 games or more in a season. Longtime Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon currently holds the crown with an eye-popping 0.92 ERA in 2006 but Martin isn't too far behind. Fellow Boston closer Koji Uehara currently has the second-best ERA with 1.09 in 2013. 

At the beginning of the season, it's unlikely many people would've speculated that Martin would've been in this company at the end of the season. Martin has a 3.41 career ERA across eight big league seasons but has been one of the most consistent relievers in baseball this year. 

Hopefully, he can maintain his current momentum and jump up a couple of spots in Boston team history.