Revisiting the Braves-Rangers Trade Involving Chris Martin and Kolby Allard

The Atlanta Braves were extremely aggressive at last year's trade deadline in terms of bolstering their bullpen as they prepared for a postseason run. In addition to landing the likes of relievers Shane Green and Mark Melancon, Atlanta acquired right-hander Chris Martin from the Texas Rangers in exchange for former first-round pick Kolby Allard.

Now that both clubs have had half of a season to see how the trade panned out, let's evaluate the deal to see if we can determine a winner.

Ironically enough, neither pitcher really enjoyed much success with their new team. At the time of the trade, Martin was registering a career-best 3.08 ERA across 38 innings, adding 43 strikeouts compared to just four walks, which equated to a spectacular 10.75 K/BB ratio.

However, putting his immaculate inning aside, pitching in high-pressured scenarios really didn't suit the 34-year-old vet. In 20 appearances with Atlanta, Martin posted a 4.03 ERA. Those struggles prompted manager Brian Snitker to not even utilize him against the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. That can't be what the Braves expected after surrendering their former No. 14 overall pick.

Speaking of which, Allard didn't exactly shine bright in Texas. The 22-year-old left hander averaged just five innings across nine starts, totaling a 4.96 ERA, 33 strikeouts and a 1.56 WHIP. He figures to be a mainstay in the Rangers' rotation for the foreseeable future, but we're going to need to see more from him to back that notion.

It's truly too soon to determine a concrete winner, but if we were to solely consider the immediate aftermath, the nod goes to Atlanta. Though Martin's numbers were nothing to write home about, he did help the Braves overcome their previously woeful bullpen depth. We'll have a lot of time to further grade this deal too, considering both players are under club control through at least the 2023 season.