5 Red Sox on Thin Ice At Quarter Mark of 2024 Season

4. Chris Martin

After performing as one of the best relievers in all of baseball in 2023, Martin hasn't been able to replicate that production in 2024. Last season, the nine-year veteran posted an astonishing 1.05 ERA and even received American League Cy Young Award votes as a shut down set-up man for closer Kenley Jansen.

2024 has been a different story for the 37-year-old. Martin has struggled out of the gate, posting a 4.73 ERA. His WHIP has jumped from 1.032 in 2023 to 1.275 this season, his hits per nine has jumped from 7.9 to 10.1, and his home runs per nine has increased from 0.4 to 1.4. Martin has also blown three saves so far this campaign. Boston's bullpen is supposed to be one of the major strengths of this team, but he hasn't been up to the task through the quarter mark.

Martin has significant playoff experience (including a 2021 World Series title) and his contract expires at the end of the season. If the Red Sox downward trajectory continues and they aren't jockeying for a playoff spot, he is a prime candidate for a trade to a contender.