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

What can the Braves expect from Martin in 2021?

Martin has done well in the past 2 seasons for the Braves in his set up man role, but can he continue his dominance into 2021?

According to FanGraphs, Martin’s 2021 season will look like this:

• The Bat – 62 G, 62 IP, 4.04 ERA, 3.87 FIP, 0 Saves
• ATC – 58 G, 58 IP, 3.32 ERA, 3.36 FIP, 5 Saves
• Depth Charts – 62 G, 62 IP, 3.64 ERA, 3.36 FIP, 21 Saves
• Steamer – 62 G, 62 IP, 3.97 ERA, 3.93 FIP, 21 Saves
• ZiPs – 46 G, 43 IP, 3.30 ERA, 3.21 FIP, 21 Saves

Looking at these projections, the few at the bottom seem to be more in line with my way of thinking. It is not out of the realm of possibility to think that Martin could very well get more responsibility within this bullpen, especially with neither Greene nor Melancon signed at this time.

It is very possible for Martin to be slotted into a partial closer position with Will Smith (who was signed to a 3-year deal before the 2020 season to potentially be the main closer moving further).

A few more interesting numbers include projections such as K/9 and BB/9 which see him hovering around 9.14 and 1.36 respectively.

These projections stand out due to the fact that Martin was one of the few arms in the Braves bullpen that managed to stay away from unnecessary walks in late-game situations.

If Martin can hover around these projections, then he can be a great piece for the ‘pen. But if Martin can continue that dominance shown in seasons past, then can Martin truly become the go-to arm in the bullpen?