Aroldis Chapman is having the year of his life at 37 years old, and the Red Sox couldn’t be happier about their bargain signing.
The veteran closer is rewriting his own record book this season, posting career-best numbers in multiple categories when most pitchers his age are watching their stuff decline.
Chapman’s 1.08 ERA leads all MLB relievers and crushes his previous career best of 1.51 from 2012. His 0.70 WHIP blows away his former mark of 0.81, also from 2012. Even his walk rate has improved – his 2.5 BB/9 beats his 2016 best of 2.8.
It’s a complete turnaround from last season.
The Red Sox signed Chapman for one year and $10.75 million this past offseason, essentially viewing him as a replacement for Kenley Jansen. Coming off a rough 2023 with Pittsburgh – where he posted a 3.79 ERA, 1.346 WHIP, and an ugly 5.7 BB/9 – expectations weren’t exactly sky-high.
Boston figured they’d get decent production from the former Yankees closer. They didn’t expect him to turn back the clock this dramatically.
What makes Chapman’s resurgence even more remarkable is the timing. Most power pitchers see their velocity and command fade as they approach 40. Chapman’s doing the opposite, looking more like the dominant closer who terrorized hitters during his prime years.
The Red Sox basically guarantee themselves a win when Chapman takes the mound in save situations. That’s invaluable for a team trying to make a playoff push.
Now the question becomes whether Boston tries to extend him beyond this season. At this level of performance, Chapman’s proven he’s got plenty left in the tank. The Sox would be smart to keep him around.
