The Boston Red Sox agreed to a one-year $10.75 million deal with Relief Pitcher Aroldis Chapman earlier today. He is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates that saw him go 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA 14 saves and 22 holds. While Chapman has always been known for his 100+ MPH fastball he has become a well-rounded pitcher. He was 17th in the league last season with 14.30 K/9 innings. Chapman will look to bolster Boston’s bullpen heading into the 2025 season. How will this deal work out for both sides?
How Will Chapman Fit With the Boston Red Sox?
Left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Boston sought left-handed help for its bullpen and lands the 36-year-old Chapman. @ChrisCotillo said deal was progressing.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 3, 2024
Boston’s bullpen struggled last year as they were 24th in the league with a 4.39 bullpen ERA. Closer Kenley Jansen is a free agent this offseason which leaves Chapman’s role with the Boston Red Sox up in the air. Chapman was one of the league’s best closers for years and has transitioned into a stellar setup man/closer role.
Chapman is a seven-time MLB All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and the 2019 Mariano Rivera Reliever of the Year. His career has included stints with the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates. Chapman won the “Fall Classic” in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs and in 2023 with the Texas Rangers. He has a career record of 55-45 with a 2.63 ERA and 335 career saves. Chapman’s 335 career saves is 16th in MLB history. Next up on the all-time list is Rollie Fingers with 341 career saves.
Final Thoughts
According to reports, Chapman is not the only marquee player the Boston Red Sox are targeting this offseason. The Boston Red Sox are said to be heavily involved in the Juan Soto sweepstakes. The New York Mets and Red Sox are the most likely suitors for one of the league’s best players. Boston has fallen on tough times of late as they made the MLB Playoffs only once in the last six seasons. The ownership and front office have been maligned in recent years for their reluctance to spend money in free agency. Only time will tell how this offseason will unfold for the Boston Red Sox.
