The Boston Red Sox have taken a significant step in Major League Baseball’s free agency by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $10.75 million with left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman, according to reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The finalization of the deal is contingent upon Chapman passing a physical examination.
Chapman hinted at the agreement by sharing a photo of himself wearing a Red Sox cap on social media. This move reflects the team’s intention to improve after missing the postseason for three consecutive years, with the acquisition focusing on strengthening the bullpen. Prior to this signing, the Red Sox had also added veteran reliever Justin Wilson on November 14.
At 36 years old, Chapman had a solid season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, achieving a 3.79 ERA over 61.2 innings. This marks Chapman’s fifth team in four years, adding to a total of seven teams he has played for during his 15-year career in the league. He was once regarded as one of the premier closers in baseball, known for his fastball that could exceed 100 mph. His accolades include seven All-Star appearances and two World Series championships—one with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and another with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
It’s important to note, however, that Chapman hasn’t posted an ERA below 3.00 since 2019 and comes with a complicated history, having faced a 30-game suspension in 2016 due to a domestic violence incident.
Looking ahead, the Red Sox remain in pursuit of superstar Juan Soto in free agency, suggesting that Chapman’s signing could be just the beginning of a potentially transformative offseason for the team.
The addition of Chapman, both as a player and a veteran presence, can be a positive move for the Red Sox as they seek to rebuild and reinvigorate their performance for the upcoming season. Fans will be eager to see how these changes impact the team’s dynamic and competitiveness in the year ahead.