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Red Sox Sign Left-Handed Reliever Aroldis Chapman, 335 Saves, to One-Year, $10.75M Deal

Dec 3, 2024, 03:52 PM

The Boston Red Sox have agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million contract, including incentives that could increase its value to $11 million, with left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman, according to multiple reports. The deal is pending a physical. Chapman, 36, ranked No. 4 on Baseball America's Top 10 MLB Free Agent Relief Pitchers for 2025 and brings significant experience to the Red Sox bullpen, having accumulated 335 career saves—the third-most among active players. Renowned as a flame-throwing pitcher with a high-velocity fastball, Chapman posted a 3.79 ERA with 14.30 strikeouts per nine innings over 61.2 innings pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season. The addition of Chapman addresses Boston's need for left-handed bullpen help. With his extensive closing experience, Chapman is expected to bolster the Red Sox's relief pitching. The signing also marks Chapman's return to the American League East, where he previously played for the New York Yankees. Chapman's contract positions him as the highest-earning relief pitcher in MLB history, surpassing Mariano Rivera, with total career earnings exceeding $176 million. Represented by Wasserman, Chapman's signing is the first significant move by the Red Sox in this offseason's free agency. Advanced talks were first reported by Chris Cotillo.