Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Boston Red Sox are making moves that could shake up their bullpen in 2026! Just days after announcing their initial non-roster invites to spring training, the Red Sox have inked another deal, this time with veteran right-handed reliever Seth Martinez. But here's where it gets interesting: Martinez isn't just any reliever—he spent three pivotal years in the Houston Astros' bullpen, including their 2022 World Series-winning season. Could this be the depth the Red Sox need to bolster their pitching staff?
Martinez, 31, brings a wealth of experience to the table, having logged 117 major league appearances since his debut in 2021. His career ERA sits at a solid 4.00, with 126 strikeouts across 144 innings. While his 2025 season with the Marlins saw a higher 5.40 ERA in limited appearances, he shone in Triple-A, posting a 3.71 ERA and striking out 54 batters in 43 ⅔ innings. But is this enough to guarantee him a spot in the big leagues, or will he be relegated to Triple-A Worcester as bullpen depth?
And this is the part most people miss: Martinez’s journey to Boston hasn’t been a straight line. After being exposed to waivers by the Astros last November, he bounced between three organizations—Arizona, Miami, and Seattle—before being reclaimed by the Marlins. Now, he joins a growing list of minor league signees, including Osvaldo Berrios, Alec Gamboa, Hobie Harris, T.J. Sikkema, and Devin Sweet, all vying for a chance to make an impact.
But here’s the controversial question: Are the Red Sox relying too heavily on minor league deals to fill their bullpen gaps, or is this a strategic move to uncover hidden gems? With Martinez’s World Series pedigree and recent Triple-A success, he could be more than just depth. What do you think? Is this a smart move by the Red Sox, or are they playing it too safe? Let us know in the comments below!
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Chris Cotillo, MassLive’s Red Sox reporter since 2018, brings you the latest from Fenway Park. Catch him and Sean McAdam on The Fenway Rundown podcast for more in-depth analysis.
