The Boston Red Sox have reached an agreement with veteran left-hander Aroldis Chapman to bolster their struggling bullpen. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the two sides have agreed to a one-year deal worth $10.75 million, pending a physical.
While the team has not yet made the agreement official, Chapman appears set to join the Red Sox. This move would be a significant upgrade for a bullpen that ranked 24th in ERA last season.
Chapman, who has become something of a journeyman since his early years with the Cincinnati Reds, has played for four teams since 2022 but remains an imposing presence on the mound. In 68 appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024, he recorded 98 strikeouts, 14 saves, and a 3.79 ERA. His fastball still regularly hits 105 mph, and he averaged just under 99 mph in 2024, ranking in the 99th percentile for strikeout rate at 37.1%. He also posted an impressive 14.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Notably, Chapman surpassed Hall of Famer Billy Wagner for the most strikeouts by a left-handed reliever in MLB history during the 2024 season.
Chapman’s arsenal also includes a power sinker and slider, though his control remains a concern. His walk rate of 14.4% was among the highest in the league in 2024.
In addition to Chapman, the Red Sox are expecting a return from right-hander Liam Hendriks, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, and are bringing back Justin Slaten, who impressed as a rookie in 2024 with a 2.93 ERA. Strengthening the bullpen with left-handed pitching was a key priority for the Red Sox this offseason.
Chapman, a seven-time All-Star, brings an elite track record, including an 87.5% save rate, which ranks third among active pitchers with at least 150 career saves. His arrival should provide a much-needed lift to Boston’s bullpen, giving them a proven lefty arm capable of dominating high-leverage situations.
