The Boston Red Sox made a significant addition to their bullpen on Tuesday, agreeing to terms with veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, according to sources familiar with the deal. The signing addresses a key area of need for the Red Sox, who struggled with bullpen consistency and effectiveness last season.
Bolstering the Bullpen
Boston’s relief corps posted a disappointing 4.59 ERA in 2024, ranking 24th in the majors. The lack of a reliable, power left-hander was particularly glaring. Enter Chapman, a seven-time All-Star who brings an impressive track record and electric stuff to the Red Sox bullpen.
Despite being in his 16th big-league season, the 35-year-old Chapman continues to light up radar guns. His fastball averaged 98 mph last year with the Pirates, topping out at a blistering 105 mph. That velocity translates to swing-and-miss stuff, evidenced by Chapman’s elite career strikeout rate of 14.8 per nine innings—the highest mark in MLB history.
Closing Experience
While Chapman hasn’t regularly closed games since 2021, he provides manager Jeff Davis with a viable ninth-inning option. The Red Sox’s incumbent closer, Liam Hendriks, is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, and rookie Justin Slaten may not be ready for the pressure of the role. Having a battle-tested veteran like Chapman as insurance could prove invaluable.
“He’s a guy who’s been there and done that,” an American League scout said of Chapman. “Even if he’s not quite the force he once was, he still has that fear factor. Hitters know what he’s capable of.”
Concerns and Character
Of course, Chapman’s signing doesn’t come without red flags. His 3.79 ERA last season, while solid, represented a notable uptick from his halcyon days with the Yankees and Cubs. He also struggled with control at times, walking 39 batters in 61.2 innings.
Then there are the character concerns. In 2016, Chapman served a 30-game MLB suspension for a domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend at the time. The Red Sox will undoubtedly face questions about the wisdom of investing in a player with that history.
Potential Impact
On the field, however, it’s easy to envision Chapman making a positive impact in Boston. Even with some decline, his stuff remains overpowering. If he can harness his command and stay healthy, Chapman could team with Hendriks, Slaten, and right-handers like Darrin Miller and Marc Cabrera to form a formidable late-inning group.
- Adds a power left-handed arm to a righty-heavy bullpen
- Provides critical depth and closing experience
- Misses bats at an elite level
- Helps shorten games and protect leads
The Red Sox will be Chapman’s seventh MLB team, and his first in the American League East since his successful run with the archrival Yankees from 2016-22. During that span, Chapman was utterly dominant at times, posting a 2.51 ERA and collecting 264 saves. Boston fans will hope he can recapture some of that magic at Fenway Park.
The Road Ahead
With Chapman in the fold, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Trevor Klein can turn his attention to addressing other roster needs. Multiple sources indicate the club remains in the market for a right-handed hitting outfielder and possibly a veteran starting pitcher to stabilize the rotation.
Yet there’s no denying the importance of shoring up what was a shaky relief corps last season. In Chapman, the Red Sox are betting that a one-time star closer still has plenty of fuel—and fire—left in the tank. If they’re right, the road back to the postseason could get a bit smoother in Boston.
