Former Reds' fireballer signs one-year deal with Red Sox

Former Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman has become somewhat of a journeyman upon entering the twilight of his career. The 36-year-old, fresh off his 2024 campaign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.

It'll be a return to the AL East for Chapman who spent the bulk of his career in the Bronx as the closer for the New York Yankees. Chapman was 5-5 last season with a 3.79 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 68 appearances for the Bucs.

Former Reds' fireballer Aroldis Chapman signs one-year deal with Red Sox

Chapman can still rare back and deliver the goods. Multiple times last season, Chapman's heater was clocked at 100 mph or higher. According to Baseball Savant, Chapman was among the 90th percentile or higher in expected batting average, fastball velocity, strikeout rate, and whiff rate.

The Red Sox weren't the only team in on Chapman this offseason. It was reported earlier this week that at least six teams had inquired about signing the lefty to a contract, and it appears that Boston was the highest bidder. With Kenley Jansen no longer in Beantown, the Red Sox needed to find another pitcher for the backend of their bullpen.

Chapman's time with the Reds came to an end after his fourth straight All-Star campaign in 2015. There were off-the-field reasons for Chapman's departure, and the left-hander was traded to the Yankees for pitchers Caleb Cotham, Rookie Davis, Eric Jagielo, and infielder Tony Renda.

Chapman would go on to play for the Chicago Cubs during their World Series run in 2016 and added a second championship during his 2023 stint with the Texas Rangers. Chapman will now look to help guide the Red Sox back to the postseason. Boston has missed the playoffs the past three seasons, but are looking to bolster their roster this winter.

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