Why Red Sox’s Aroldis Chapman Pickup Might Be Underrated
Chapman logged a 3.79 ERA in 2024
The Boston Red Sox made their second free-agent addition, again focusing on their bullpen depth, by adding Aroldis Chapman on a one-year deal Tuesday.
It wasn’t a jaw-dropping blockbuster, however, supplemental moves are also essential. Chapman, a flamethrowing seven-time All-Star, has drawn interest from the organization in the past and now at 36 years old, Chapman has the chance to serve as a difference maker in the later innings of Boston’s upcoming 2025 campaign.
“Why are people so uptight about this? I like the move,” Travis Thomas said on NESN’s “Boston Has Entered The Chat” vodcast. “You need an arm. You need a lefty. The guys got some piss and vinegar there. He’s got that dog in him. I like this move. … This is one move of many, we think, and certainly the biggest domino piece — we all hope — is Juan Soto, and another arm. So if you add Chapman to that equation, then I love it.”
Chapman spent last season pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates, going 5-5 with 14 saves and a 3.79 ERA across 68 appearances. The left-hander follows up Boston’s first free agency pickup — Justin Wilson — and is expected to be another of several building blocks to come as chief baseball officer Craig Breslow tweaks the roster.
If the Red Sox do make their first postseason bid in the last four years, Chapman’s 44 career playoff appearances, including seven in the World Series, could come in handy in October.
Watch the full episode of NESN’s “Boston Has Entered The Chat” here:
