MLB trade rumors: Boston Red Sox eye Chris Martin comeback as Yankees and Orioles step up push for Michael King

Chris Martin is once again part of the Boston Red Sox offseason plans as the team looks to fix its bullpen before the 2026 MLB season. The news came out this week, during the MLB Hot Stove period in December 2025, when MassLive reporter Chris Cotillo reported that Boston is open to bringing the veteran reliever back.

Chris Martin has made it clear he wants to pitch in 2026, ending earlier talk about possible retirement.The Boston Red Sox front office is active right now because the American League East remains very competitive. The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles are also busy, especially as all three teams are showing interest in starting pitcher Michael King. With Spring Training still months away, teams are already lining up their moves early.

Chris Martin draws interest from the Boston Red Sox after Texas Rangers season

Chris Martin, who is 39 years old, pitched for the Boston Red Sox during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before signing a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers ahead of the 2025 season. During that season in Texas, Chris Martin posted a 2–6 record with a 2.98 ERA in 49 games, working mostly in late-inning relief roles. He stayed healthy and showed strong control, which kept his name on the market.According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the interest is real. Cotillo wrote that “one Red Sox possibility on the relief market is a reunion with veteran Chris Martin, who plans to pitch in 2026.”

The report added that while Chris Martin once thought about retiring after 2025, he has now fully committed to continuing his career. Boston sees him as a steady arm who already knows the clubhouse and pitching staff.While Boston watches Chris Martin, the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles are all tracking Michael King. Michael King began his MLB career with the New York Yankees as a bullpen arm before turning into a full-time starter with the San Diego Padres.

Over the past two seasons, he proved he could handle a rotation role, even though injuries limited him in 2025.

Michael King made only 15 starts in 2025 due to a nerve issue in his shoulder and a minor knee injury. Still, teams believe his upside remains strong. A source familiar with the situation said clubs see him as “a high-risk but high-reward option.”At the same time, the Yankees face pressure from the San Francisco Giants for Cody Bellinger. Cody Bellinger, who played for New York in 2025, hit .272 with 29 home runs and is now seeking a long-term free-agent deal. The Giants are known for making big offers, and their interest could change the market quickly as the offseason moves forward.Also Read: Bo Bichette Contract Talks Hit Another Pause After Analysts Explain Major Risks Facing The Toronto Blue Jays