Red Sox Sign Aroldis Chapman

Red Sox Sign Aroldis Chapman

After years of playing for the Yankees, Aroldis Chapman is finally switching sides of the rivalry. The hard throwing Cuban reliever has inked a one year deal with the Red Sox that will pay him $10.75 million.

Jeff Passan of ESPN was the first to report the news with a hat tip to Chris Cotillo of Mass Live who indicated the deal was close.

Chapman, 36, posted a 3.79 ERA over 61 2/3 innings for the Pirates in 2024. Despite entering his age 37 season, the lefty reliever still throws gas. He averaged 97.8 MPH on his four-seam fastball and 99.8 MPH on his sinker a season ago, which is still plenty good enough.

The bigger question here is what will his role be in Boston? The Sox have already signed another lefty in Justin Wilson (who also pitched for the Yankees when Chapman was there weirdly enough). Will Chapman be the closer or is he going to be a set up man? I guess that depends on who else the Sox sign this Winter.

This isn’t confirmed yet but it seems pretty likely Kenley Jansen will pitch for someone else next year. Chris Martin is a question mark to return. This is a total guess but it sure feels like the Sox didn’t want to pay the market rate for Tanner Scott. Also, don’t sleep on Justin Slaten being the closer next year. Last year’s Rule 5 Draft pick is legit. Liam Hendrick may occupy that role as well as the Sox pen is starting to take shape.

Adding Chapman is a nice piece. I assume Rafael Devers will tell him he owns him as soon as he walks into the clubhouse. Those are the rules.

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