At 29 years old, Chicago White Sox pitcher Davis Martin begins the 2026 season with the longest service time by debut date among teammates. Reflecting on his career trajectory from debut to injury recovery, Martin emphasizes his role in fostering team culture amid ongoing rebuild efforts. His leadership extends to offseason bonding with younger rotation mates.
Davis Martin turned 29 on January 4 and will enter the 2026 season as the White Sox's veteran presence by debut date, a position highlighted during SoxFest Live at the Ramova Theatre in Chicago.
Martin debuted in the majors on May 17, 2022, striking out seven over five innings in the second game of a doubleheader against Kansas City. That year's team finished 81-81 after a push for the American League Central title. He did not pitch in the majors in 2023, making only three Triple-A starts before undergoing Tommy John surgery. In 2024, Martin appeared in 11 big league games, including 10 starts, during another rebuild phase. By 2025, he solidified his role with 25 starts, posting a 4.10 ERA over 142 2/3 innings as a steadying force in the rotation.
"I do feel very young -- that’s the funny thing," Martin said. "My wife and I always joke -- we’ll look at my son, and I’ll be like, ‘I’m a dad.’ I feel like I’m 23."
The White Sox endured a third straight season with over 100 losses in 2025 but showed improvement with a 28-37 record in the second half, offering youthful hope. Martin became the clubhouse dean after Luis Robert Jr. was traded to the Mets, surpassing Lenyn Sosa by one month.
"I woke up to the news, and I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh. Here we are. I’m an old guy,’" Martin noted. He credited the team's culture, set by manager Will Venable and developed by players, for enabling talent to thrive.
Offseason, Martin hosted rotation mates Drew Thorpe, Sean Burke, Shane Smith, and Jonathan Cannon at his family's Eagle Ranch in Texas from November 17-21. "For us, I think it was really natural," he said. "I wanted to hang out with my friends... It just kind of shows the media and Chicago fans, that’s who we are."
Martin values lessons from past seasons: highs of competing in 2022, injury in 2023, and building in 2024-25. "What’s great is that I saw what worked for me... Taking that into account, and when people ask me questions, that’s great. But at the end of the day, I just want what’s best for everyone in our locker room."
His easygoing nature strengthens bonds, supporting a group message active throughout the offseason.