Free Agent Aroldis Chapman Returns to the AL East

Aroldis Chapman spent a large chunk of his career as a closer for the New York Yankees, earning three All-Star nods there (of his seven) and 153 saves in his seven years in the Bronx. Now he will take his talents to the Yanks' hated rival, the Boston Red Sox.

Left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Boston sought left-handed help for its bullpen and lands the 36-year-old Chapman. @ChrisCotillo said deal was progressing.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 3, 2024

It's a one-year deal with a $10.75M base salary, with bonuses that can get him to $11M.

The Boston Red Sox are looking to bolster their bullpen in addition to the starting staff this offseason, and to that end, the flamethrower Chapman will help from the left side, along with another earlier (much less splashy) LHP addition Justin Wilson.

Chapman spent last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where, at the age of 36, he proved he can still bring some serious heat, striking out 14.3 batters per nine innings, and earning 14 saves in a partial closing role, including saves in 8 straight appearances to finish the season. He had an overall 3.79 ERA.

In his 15-year career, Chapman has compiled 335 saves, and two World Series rings (2016, Chicago Cubs and 2023, Texas Rangers).

He left the Yankees in disgrace at the end of the worst season of his career in 2022, but bounced back with solid '23 and '24 seasons in KC, Texas and then Pittsburgh.

Now he's back in the AL East, the Red Sox hope, to haunt the Bronx Bombers in 2025.