Aroldis Chapman is headed to the Boston Red Sox, pending a physical, according to ESPN. The agreement is for the 2025 season and reportedly worth $10.75 million.
The 35-year-old flame-throwing lefty is coming off a productive year with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After making 68 appearances on the bump he earned a 5-5 record with 19 saves and a 3.79 ERA.
Chapman's resume includes being a two-time World Series champion and seven-time All-Star, but he is most known for his seven seasons in pinstripes with the New York Yankees.
Across his 15-year career he has accumulated 335 saves, a 2.63 ERA, and 1,246 strikeouts in 760 innings pitched. Chapman has previously suited up for six different organizations, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
To confirm the signing, Chapman posted a photo of himself wearing a Red Sox hat on Instagram, with the caption "Let's go!"
With Kenley Jansen, the team’s closer the last two seasons likely to sign somewhere else this offseason, it was important for the Red Sox to add some more experienced relievers. Champan in particular has a reputation for throwing high velocity fastballs.
“I think he brings something that was sorely missed in our 2024 bullpen, the ability to generate swings and misses and an electrically dominant fastball, particularly from the left side,” Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow said to a group of reporters. “We’re figuring out exactly what role he pitches in, but we feel he will be a huge piece of preserving leads late in game.”
*Breaking News article written for an assignment while taking MassLive's Chris Cotillo's aspiring sports writers workshops.
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