Aroldis Chapman entered the weekend boasting an impressive streak, having gone 14 games and 14 innings without allowing an earned run since May 28. The 37-year-old left-handed pitcher has given up only three hits while striking out 23 during this remarkable stretch, solidifying the decision made by Craig Breslow to sign him for one year at $10.75 million as a wise one.
This season appears set to earn Chapman his eighth All-Star selection, the first since his time with the Yankees in 2021. Notably, he is among 14 pitchers in history who have accumulated at least 350 saves, with only Dennis Eckersley surpassing him in strikeouts as a relief pitcher. While Eckersley’s high strikeout number comes from the significant starts he made prior to becoming a closer, Chapman’s 1,297 strikeouts are remarkable in their own right.
Chapman, alongside fellow pitchers Craig Kimbrel, Lee Smith, and Kenley Jansen, are the only ones to achieve both at least 350 saves and 1,200 strikeouts. Only Hoyt Wilhelm and Goose Gossage have recorded more strikeouts in relief than Chapman, raising questions about his Hall of Fame prospects if he concludes his career with over 400 saves and the highest strikeout total among relievers.
In addition to Chapman’s accomplishments, there are some observations regarding the Red Sox. Notably, the team’s players have shown a concerning lack of adherence to fundamental baseball skills, challenging the organization’s historical talent evaluation, as shown in the case of Dustin Pedroia.
Manager Alex Cora has been praised for his communication skills, exemplified by his handling of Masataka Yoshida, who readily accepted the team’s request to take ground balls at first base. However, there have been concerns about the communication breakdown with Rafael Devers regarding his fielding role, especially given the size of his contract.
The Red Sox also might have been premature in trading pitcher Quinn Priester, who was acquired from the Pirates and subsequently dealt to the Brewers, where he has posted a 6-2 record and a 3.59 ERA. Meanwhile, Andruw Jones is actively assembling the Netherlands roster for the World Baseball Classic, aiming to recruit Ceddanne Rafaela, who currently resides in Miami.
It’s heartening to see former players and their families like Trevor Wakefield continuing their legacies, with efforts to support the Red Sox Foundation. This community-driven spirit reflects the enduring bond between the team and its fans.
This article highlights both the individual achievements of Aroldis Chapman and the broader context of the Red Sox’s current situation, encouraging a sense of optimism for the future as both players and management strive to reclaim their foundational skills.