ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 08: Chris Martin #55 of the Atlanta Braves reacts at the conclusion of an MLB game against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on August 8, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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The Atlanta Braves had plenty of reasons to celebrate their latest roster this week, despite falling short of the World Series.

Starting pitcher Chris Sale finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting, adding another accomplishment to his already impressive resume, while manager Walt Weiss finished runner-up for NL Manager of the Year.

But the latest news involving a former Braves pitcher offered fans a reminder of the contributions made by the organization’s championship-winning core.

“Veteran reliever Chris Martin has retired from Major League Baseball,” FanSided’s Robert Murray reported on Wednesday. “Martin, who pitched 11 seasons, spent time with the Rangers, Braves, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, Yankees and Rockies.”

The announcement brought an official end to a career that included a remarkable late-career resurgence, a World Series championship with the Braves and an unexpected appearance on an American League Cy Young ballot.

Atlanta Braves Veteran Chris Martin Played Key Role In 2021 World Series Championship

Martin’s contributions to Atlanta’s championship run remain among the most significant accomplishments of his career.

“The Braves acquired Martin at the 2019 trade deadline, and he ended up being a key piece of their bullpen during their 2021 World Series championship run,” the New York Post’s Justin Tasch reported following the retirement news. “During that postseason, Martin allowed one run in 4 ⅓ innings with three strikeouts across five appearances, including Games 4 and 5 of the World Series against the Astros.”

Martin’s performance helped the Braves secure their first World Series championship since 1995. He remained with the organization through the 2021 season before continuing his career elsewhere.

Atlanta Braves World Series Champion Earned Cy Young Consideration Before Retirement

Although Martin never became a full-time closer or an established starting pitcher, he eventually developed into one of baseball’s more dependable relief arms. His best individual season came with the Boston Red Sox in 2023, when he recorded a 1.05 ERA across 55 appearances and 51 ⅓ innings.

That performance earned Martin a fifth-place vote in American League Cy Young Award balloting, leaving him 12th overall. He was 37 years old at the time.

Martin subsequently returned to his native Texas, signing a one-year, $4 million contract with the Texas Rangers before the 2026 campaign. However, injuries and diminished effectiveness derailed his final season. He recorded a 9.00 ERA across 16 appearances and 14 innings before the Rangers designated him for assignment on August 3 and released him on August 8.

He finishes his major league career with a 3.53 ERA, 409 strikeouts and 19 wins across 434 appearances and 11 seasons.