{"id":139198,"date":"2026-01-13T16:19:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T16:19:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=139198"},"modified":"2026-01-13T16:19:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T16:19:29","slug":"cubs-add-power-arm-with-big-potential-ahead-of-spring-training","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=139198","title":{"rendered":"Cubs Add Power Arm With Big Potential Ahead Of Spring Training"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

IMAGE: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Martin (48) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. \/ D. Ross Cameron \/ Imagn Images<\/div>\n
\n

The Chicago Cubs are putting the finishing touches on what looks like a retooled bullpen heading into spring training, but they\u2019re 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\u2019s looking for a fresh start and a shot to finally stick in a big-league bullpen.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t quite caught up yet.<\/p>\n

Injuries have been a big part of that story. He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\"Cubs\"Cubs<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The swing-and-miss potential is there. The question is whether the Cubs can help him harness it.<\/p>\n

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\u2019t jump off the page.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s lingered throughout his pro career.<\/p>\n

If the Cubs can help him tighten that up, there\u2019s a chance he could become more than just a depth piece.<\/p>\n

Martin\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

While the core of the bullpen appears mostly set heading into spring, there\u2019s always room for a breakout story. And Martin, with his pedigree and power stuff, could be one to watch.<\/p>\n

The Cubs have had success in recent years turning under-the-radar arms into contributors, and Martin\u2019s blend of velocity and movement gives him a shot – if the command comes around. It\u2019s a classic low-risk move with potential upside, and in today\u2019s game, those are the kinds of bets that can quietly pay off when the long season hits full stride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

IMAGE: Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Martin (48) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. \/ D. 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