In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the baseball world, the Chicago Cubs have signed right-hander Corbin Martin to a minor league deal, sparking questions about his potential comeback. But here’s where it gets intriguing: despite a career ERA of 6.54 and a history of injuries, the Cubs see something special in Martin’s raw talent. Could this be the redemption story we’ve all been waiting for? Let’s dive in.
According to Marquee’s Lance Brozdowski, the 30-year-old Martin is expected to receive a non-roster invite to MLB spring training. This comes after a 2025 season where he bounced on and off the Baltimore Orioles’ roster, pitching just 18 innings and allowing 15 runs (12 earned). While those numbers might not impress, they actually lowered his career ERA—a small silver lining in a career marked by setbacks. At Triple-A Norfolk, Martin struggled with a 5.82 ERA across 34 appearances, striking out 22.5% of batters but walking a staggering 13.6%. And this is the part most people miss: his control issues, which have plagued him at both the major league and Triple-A levels, could be the key to his future success—or failure.
Once a highly touted second-round pick by the Houston Astros and a centerpiece in the Zack Greinke trade to the Diamondbacks, Martin’s career took a sharp turn due to injuries. Tommy John surgery in 2019 and a torn lat tendon in 2023 sidelined him for significant stretches. Early in his minor league career, his control was promising, but it’s been his Achilles’ heel in the upper levels. Here’s the controversial take: Is Martin’s potential worth the risk, or is this just a low-stakes gamble by the Cubs?
What’s undeniable is Martin’s stuff: his fastball sits in the 95-96 MPH range, and he complements it with a slider and curveball. That’s a recipe for missing bats—if he can find the strike zone consistently. The Cubs are betting on his raw talent, but the clock is ticking. With no minor league options remaining, they’ll need to either keep him on the major league roster or risk losing him to waivers. But here’s the question for you: Can Corbin Martin turn his career around, or is this just another cautionary tale in baseball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
