David Ortiz believes that Juan Soto would be a perfect addition for the Boston Red Sox this offseason as they look to strengthen their lineup. This comes amid significant changes for the Red Sox, as they recently announced the signing of veteran relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman to bolster their bullpen.
According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, Chapman has agreed to a one-year contract worth $10.75 million, which is pending a physical exam for the 36-year-old right-hander. In an enthusiastic social media post, Chapman shared a photo of himself wearing a Red Sox cap, indicating his excitement to join the team.
Last season, Chapman showcased his impressive capabilities, recording a 3.79 ERA and striking out 98 batters over 68 appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Over his extensive 15-year career, which includes significant stints with the New York Yankees, Chapman has established himself as a top-tier relief pitcher with a career ERA of 2.63, 355 saves, and 1,246 strikeouts across 760 innings pitched.
Chapman’s journey in Major League Baseball began in 2010 with the Cincinnati Reds, followed by a notable tenure with the Yankees, where he had a transformative impact as their closer. However, his career has not been without controversy; he faced a 30-game suspension in 2016 under MLB’s domestic violence policy due to an incident involving his girlfriend. Although he did not face criminal charges, Chapman expressed remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions.
This offseason appears to be pivotal for the Red Sox, with the potential to make significant moves like acquiring Soto to enhance their competitive edge. The addition of Chapman demonstrates their commitment to improving their pitching staff, possibly setting the stage for a stronger season ahead.
In summary, the Red Sox are positioning themselves for an exciting offseason by adding high-caliber players like Aroldis Chapman while considering impactful acquisitions such as Juan Soto. This reflects the team’s aim to return to contention and energize their fan base with promising developments.