The Boston Red Sox have made a significant move in the MLB free agency by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $10.75 million with left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The agreement is contingent upon Chapman passing a physical examination.
Chapman hinted at his new signing by sharing a photo of himself wearing a Red Sox cap on social media. With this acquisition, the Red Sox signal their commitment to revitalizing their roster after experiencing three consecutive seasons without postseason play. The addition of Chapman marks the team’s focused effort to bolster their bullpen, following their earlier signing of veteran reliever Justin Wilson on November 14.
The 36-year-old Chapman had a 3.79 ERA in 61.2 innings while playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. This will be Chapman’s fifth team in four years and marks his seventh team in his 15-year career in Major League Baseball.
Renowned as one of baseball’s premier closers, Chapman has a remarkable history, featuring seven All-Star selections and two World Series titles—one with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and another with the Texas Rangers in 2023. However, it’s worth noting that he hasn’t recorded an ERA below 3.00 since 2019. Chapman’s past has also been marred by controversy, including a 30-game suspension in 2016 for a domestic violence incident.
As the Red Sox continue to make strategic moves, they are reportedly still pursuing free-agent superstar Juan Soto, suggesting that this signing could be the first of several significant roster changes this winter.
This development indicates a proactive approach by the Red Sox in enhancing their team dynamics. By bringing in experienced players like Chapman, they hope to improve their performance and breathe new life into their campaign for a successful season ahead.