The Pirates are going to need a new high-leverage lefty.
The Boston Red Sox are in agreement with Aroldis Chapman on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Boston was in the market for a big arm, and got one pending a physical.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan confirmed the news.
Chapman, who once was one of the most dominant relief pitchers in all of baseball, had seven All-Star appearances between 2012 and 2021 before he found his way to Pittsburgh for the 2024 campaign. The Pirates didn’t exactly get that kind of production from the two-time World Series champion, though, who finished last season with a 3.79 ERA in 68 appearances.
Chapman reportedly had plenty of suitors on the open market with at least six teams showcasing “real interest” in the 36-year-old, according to MLB insider Francys Romero. Boston was one of them, and made the first of what is expected to be multiple high-profile additions this offseason.
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The Red Sox become the seventh team to roster Chapman. They join the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and Pirates. It’ll hope to reign in the flame-thrower’s command, which might not be much of an issue if he continues to strike batters out at a staggeringly high rate of 37.1%.
The Red Sox will pair Chapman with Liam Hendricks, who is expected to be the closer entering 2025, in the backend of an immediately upgraded bullpen.
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