BOSTON, MA – The Boston Red Sox have announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman to a one-year contract for the 2025 season.
Chapman’s Career Highlights
Chapman, 36, holds the record for the highest average strikeouts per 9.0 innings in Major League history (14.76; min. 100.0 IP). Over his career, he has accumulated 335 saves with a 2.63 ERA (222 ER/760.0 IP) and 1,246 strikeouts in 796 games, playing for the Cincinnati Reds (2010-15), New York Yankees (2016-22), Chicago Cubs (2016), Kansas City Royals (2023), Texas Rangers (2023), and Pittsburgh Pirates (2024). He joins the elite ranks of Mariano Rivera, Craig Kimbrel, and Goose Gossage as one of the few relief pitchers with seven All-Star Game selections (2012-15, ’18-19, ’21). Chapman’s eight seasons with 30 or more saves are tied for the most among active pitchers.
2024 Season Performance
In 2024, Chapman was outstanding, ranking in the 99th percentile for expected opponent batting average (.165) and strikeout rate (37.1%), and in the 98th percentile for average fastball velocity (98.7 mph). He posted a 3.79 ERA (26 ER/61.2 IP) over a career-high-tying 68 appearances for the Pirates. Remarkably, Chapman earned a save in each of his final eight outings of the season, threw 5.2 scoreless innings in his last six appearances, and allowed no extra-base hits or walks. He surrendered only one home run in his final 45 games (44.1 IP), and none from August 3 through the end of the season (21.0 IP).
Historical Impact
During the Statcast Era (since 2015), Chapman has thrown 2,450 pitches at 100.0 mph or faster, 770 more than any other pitcher. He has delivered eight of MLB’s 11 pitches clocked at 105.0 mph or more. Chapman’s career includes 14 seasons with an ERA below 4.00, eight of which were under 3.00. He ranks fourth all-time in strikeouts by a relief pitcher and earned the 2019 Mariano Rivera Award as the AL’s top relief pitcher.
Postseason Prowess
A World Series champion with the 2016 Chicago Cubs and 2023 Texas Rangers, Chapman boasts a 2.37 ERA (13 ER/49.1 IP) with 10 saves and 68 strikeouts in 44 career postseason games. He is tied for eighth all-time in postseason games pitched, with his 12.41 strikeouts per 9.0 innings ranking third among all pitchers with at least 40.0 postseason innings. Since 2017, he has maintained a 1.86 postseason ERA (6 ER/29.0 IP) and a .186 opponent batting average, while converting all six of his save opportunities.
Background
A native of Cuba, Chapman was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as a non-drafted free agent on January 11, 2010.
Red Sox 40-Man Roster
With Chapman’s addition, the Boston Red Sox’s 40-man roster is now full. Here’s the current roster breakdown:
Pitchers (24): Brayan Bello, Brennan Bernardino, Cam Booser, Aroldis Chapman, Kutter Crawford, Cooper Criswell, Hunter Dobbins, Richard Fitts, Lucas Giolito, Wikelman Gonzalez, Luis Guerrero, Liam Hendriks, Tanner Houck, Zack Kelly, Chris Murphy, Zach Penrod, Luis Perales, Quinn Priester, Chase Shugart, Justin Slaten, Greg Weissert, Garrett Whitlock, Justin Wilson, Josh Winckowski.
Catchers (1): Connor Wong.
Infielders (6): Triston Casas, Rafael Devers, Vaughn Grissom, David Hamilton, Trevor Story, Enmanuel Valdez.
Outfielders (5): Wilyer Abreu, Jarren Duran, Jhostynxon Garcia, Rob Refsnyder, Masataka Yoshida.
Infielder/Outfielders (4): Mickey Gasper, Romy Gonzalez, Ceddanne Rafaela, Nick Sogard.
