As much as I’ve lauded the Cubs for the work they’ve done by bringing in pitchers on minor league deals or cheap free agent contracts that have actually produced good results out of the bullpen it doesn’t mean this method will always work. It’s been a little different this offseason as the team has addressed the bullpen with several veterans on free agent deals, but as any smart team would, the Cubs have continued to make under the radar signings hoping to find another hidden gem.
Brad Keller is probably the biggest success story in this department as the veteran pitcher hit rock bottom in 2024, but he worked on adjustments during his time with the Boston Red Sox and then signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. Keller won a job in the bullpen thanks to an outstanding performance in spring training and after beginning the year as a middle reliever he ended the season closing out playoff wins for the Cubs.
The Philadelphia Phillies signed Keller to a two-year, $22 million contract this offseason, adding him as their set-up man. Although the Cubs didn’t re-sign Keller, they can point to him as a blueprint for future projects. According to one insider, the Cubs believe they might have their next Brad Keller after signing Corbin Martin to a minor league deal.
Martin, 30, pitched for the Baltimore Orioles in 2025, and similar to Keller, the overall results were poor. Martin made 17 appearances with the Orioles and recorded a 6.00 ERA in 18 innings of work. He broke into the majors with the Houston Astros in 2019, when he made five starts in his first MLB stint.
The right-handed pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery, but as a top-100 prospect heading into 2019, Martin still had plenty of value that allowed the Astros to include him in a trade for Zack Greinke. Martin only pitched in 12 total games with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2021-22, and missed all of 2023 after having shoulder surgery.
It’s been a long road back for Martin, but the Cubs seem to love what he’s capable of doing and despite the limited innings and bad numbers last year, Ari Alexander is hearing that the Cubs think Martin can also follow in Keller’s footsteps.
Alexander, who was previously a news anchor and sports reporter in Houston, hinted at the Martin signing a day before it was reported and added an exciting wrinkle to the upcoming move.
Including Colin Rea and Caleb Thielbar, who are returning from last year’s bullpen, the Cubs have signed six free agent relievers this offseason. Of course, injuries can occur from now until Opening Day and it’s unrealistic to believe that every pitcher will stay healthy, so Martin should get a shot at winning a roster spot out of spring training despite all the relievers the team signed to guaranteed deals.
Can Martin finally reach his potential? If there’s one team that has shown they can revive a career it’s the Cubs, so his chances are probably higher with this organization than most.
