Corbin Martin had hype going into spring training in 2026, as the right-handed pitcher drew comparisons to Brad Keller from outside the Chicago Cubs organization. Unfortunately, there was no redemption campaign for Martin, who was given a chance following a series of injuries but was unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
The relief pitcher made seven appearances with the Cubs, and although his tenure started off great with four consecutive scoreless outings, including a save, Martin quickly lost the ability to throw strikes, which led to his downfall. In his final three games with the Cubs, Martin gave up two home runs and six earned runs while walking four and striking out two. He was optioned back to Triple-A on May 10 and never came back up to the majors.
Martin struggled with the Iowa Cubs, walking way too many batters, and he also dealt with an undisclosed injury that sidelined the right-handed pitcher for the final two months of the season. He flashed some stuff, but his return may depend on his health. After the Cubs were bounced from the postseason, Martin elected free agency. Maybe he gets a second chance on another minor league deal in 2027?
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Well, they don’t always work out. The Chicago Cubs are trying to survive all their pitching injuries, both in the rotation and bullpen. So far, Craig Counsell and the coaching staff have done an excellent job managing the pitching staff, but after blowing the game on Wednesday night in the ninth inning the team has seen enough of Corbin Martin.
The Cubs have designated the right-handed relief pitcher for assignment after Martin failed to record an out against the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs were up 4-2, and Counsell gave the ball to Martin for the save. The righty gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, and then surrendered two more hits before Counsell came out of the dugout to replace Martin.
Although Hoby Milner was ultimately credited with the blown save, it wouldn’t have been a mess if Martin hadn’t allowed all three of the hitters he faced to reach.
Martin signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in the offseason and entered spring training as one of several pitchers trying to win a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Martin didn’t make the cut initially, but after a handful of injuries in April, he was called up from Triple-A. Martin did have four straight scoreless appearances to begin his Cubs’ tenure, including a save against the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he completely lost his control since then.
The downfall for Martin started in his outing against the San Diego Padres last week. Martin walked three straight batters before he was pulled, but luckily Ben Brown bailed him out. Then, in his next appearance, Martin gave up a home run in mop-up duty against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
