The Boston Red Sox have found an insane closer in Aroldis Chapman this season. He’s literally putting up video game numbers for them, and making sure when he’s in, they win.
And to reward that, Chapman gets to be a Red Sox a bit longer. According to Masslive’s Chris Cotillo, Chapman has signed a one year extension with the Red Sox, with a mutual option for 2027.
“Red Sox have a contract extension with Aroldis Chapman, source confirms. Covers 2026 with a vesting/mutual option,” Cotillo wrote.
Cotillo also revealed the money Chapman could make if the mutual option was picked up. Chapman will make $13.3 million next season, and can earn $26 million overall if the option vests, and the option is based on innings pitched.
This is an amazing move by the Sox. Chapman has been the best reliever in all of baseball, with a 1.04 ERA, 74 Ks, a WHIP of 0.673, all in 52 innings pitched. Chapman has also not given up a hit to 41 consecutive batters, meaning he’s basically pitched a no-hitter and a half over his last 13 appearances.
Having him locked down for only one year is also a smart move by the Sox. Chapman will be 38 years old next season, so if there’s any decline at all, hopefully it’s minimal, but then the Sox don’t need to pick up the option. If he’s just as good, they’ll probably stay together.
Overall, the Sox are lucky to have gotten Chapman, and they did a good job to make him into the best reliever in the MLB once again. Hopefully that carries over in the next season or two, so the Sox can be contenders.
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