The Red Sox locked up closer Aroldis Chapman with a one-year extension through 2026, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo. The deal includes a mutual option for 2027 that’s based on innings pitched.
“Red Sox have a contract extension with Aroldis Chapman, source confirms. Covers 2026 with a vesting/mutual option,” Cotillo wrote.
Chapman will earn $13.3 million next season and can make up to $26 million total if the mutual option kicks in.
It’s easy to see why Boston wanted to keep him around. Chapman’s been the best reliever in baseball this year, posting a 1.04 ERA with 74 strikeouts and a 0.673 WHIP over 52 innings. He’s also riding a streak where he hasn’t allowed a hit to 41 consecutive batters – basically a no-hitter and a half worth of dominance over his last 13 appearances.
The structure makes sense for both sides. Chapman will be 38 next season, so if there’s any age-related decline, the Red Sox aren’t stuck long-term. But if he keeps dealing like this, they’ll likely pick up that option and keep the good times rolling.
Smart Investment
Chapman’s transformation back into an elite closer has been one of the best stories of Boston’s season. When they signed him, there were questions about whether he still had it at his age. Turns out he’s got plenty left in the tank.
The way I see it, this extension gives the Red Sox exactly what they need – security in the ninth inning without a massive long-term commitment. Chapman gets rewarded for his performance, and Boston gets to see if this level of dominance is sustainable.
Now that they’ve got their closer situation figured out, the Red Sox can focus on building around the rest of their core. Having Chapman locked down should make them more attractive to other free agents who want to join a team that’s serious about winning close games.
