The Chicago Cubs are putting the finishing touches on what looks like a retooled bullpen heading into spring training, but they’re not done adding potential upside. Their latest move? A low-risk, high-upside flyer on right-hander Corbin Martin – a former top-100 prospect who’s looking for a fresh start and a shot to finally stick in a big-league bullpen.
Martin, now 30, has agreed to a minor-league deal with the Cubs, giving him a chance to compete for a spot in camp. Originally a second-round pick out of Texas A&M, Martin has the kind of raw stuff that still turns heads – even if the results haven’t quite caught up yet.
Injuries have been a big part of that story. He’s lost significant time to both Tommy John surgery and a shoulder issue, which have stalled what once looked like a fast track to the majors.
But what makes Martin intriguing – and what likely caught the eye of Cubs pitching coach Tommy Hottovy and his staff – is the arsenal. He features a fastball that sits in the mid-to-upper 90s with some natural cut, complemented by a slider and curveball that have both shown the ability to miss bats.
The swing-and-miss potential is there. The question is whether the Cubs can help him harness it.
Last season, Martin spent time with the Orioles organization, splitting the year between Triple-A Norfolk and Baltimore. In 17 appearances with the big-league club, he posted a 6.00 ERA and a 5.30 FIP – numbers that clearly don’t jump off the page.
But the real issue has been command. His walk rates – 5.0 BB/9 in Triple-A and 5.6 BB/9 across 75 2/3 MLB innings – underscore a control problem that’s lingered throughout his pro career.
If the Cubs can help him tighten that up, there’s a chance he could become more than just a depth piece.
Martin’s signing fits a recent pattern for Chicago, which has quietly built a stable of bounce-back candidates this offseason. He joins names like former first-rounder Tyler Beede and right-hander John Brigham – arms with pedigree or intriguing tools who are looking to carve out a role.
While the core of the bullpen appears mostly set heading into spring, there’s always room for a breakout story. And Martin, with his pedigree and power stuff, could be one to watch.
The Cubs have had success in recent years turning under-the-radar arms into contributors, and Martin’s blend of velocity and movement gives him a shot – if the command comes around. It’s a classic low-risk move with potential upside, and in today’s game, those are the kinds of bets that can quietly pay off when the long season hits full stride.
