Braves bringing back Chris Martin on a two-year deal

The Atlanta Braves continue to stockpile arms for its 2020 bullpen. The team announced Tuesday night that veteran reliever Chris Martin agreed to a two-year deal worth a combined $14 million. This combined with today’s roster additions gives Atlanta 39 players on its 40-man roster.

The Braves acquired Martin from the Rangers at the trade deadline in exchange for left-hander prospect Kolby Allard. Martin appeared in 20 games with the Braves posting a 4.08 ERA but a 1.63 FIP in 17 2/3 innings. He appeared in 58 games overall between Atlanta and Texas with a 3.40 ERA to go along with 65 strikeouts and just five walks. Martin was initially part of the team’s roster for the Division Series but suffered an oblique injury while warming up in Game 1 and had to be replaced on the roster.

Atlanta has spent most of the offseason addressing a bullpen that was a major problem for most of the 2019 season.