Braves 2021 Player Previews: Will Chris Martin Be the Go-To Guy in the Bullpen?

We take a look at the Braves’ setup man Chris Martin and preview what to expect when it comes to how the bullpen will play out in 2021. 

As the 2021 season approaches, there has been a lot of attention toward whether or not the Atlanta Braves will decide to bring back either Shane Greene or Mark Melancon. As talks continue on whether or not they will return, Chris Martin may be keen on a role promotion.

Martin made 19 appearances in the 2020 season with a 1.00 ERA, a WHIP of 0.611, and 20 SO in 18 innings and 66 batters faced. The most impressive stat from last season would be Martin’s WHIP as he was relatively productive every time he stepped on the mound.

Unfortunately, Martin was unable to make more than 19 appearances as he hit the IL twice within the shortened 2020 season: once with an esophageal constriction (which caused him to miss roughly two weeks) and the other with groin discomfort. But fortunately, Martin was able to return just before the playoffs began.

At the end of the season, Martin had managed to calculate a WAR of 1.2 and became a very important piece to a very strong Braves bullpen in the 2020 season.

Martin was very valuable to this bullpen and lately has shown that he can play a particular role as a setup man. As the Braves continue to mull over more bullpen additions, Martin may be looked at to take on a larger role.

Depending on who is added to this bullpen from here on out, Martin may be the key piece of the 2021 Braves bullpen.