MLB's Boston Red Sox seal a $13.3 million deal for 2026 with their top reliever, Chapman

The Boston Red Sox are making a strong push for the playoffs, and a significant contributor to their success is relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Currently, the Red Sox stand at 76-62 for the season, holding a 2.5 game lead over Seattle in the playoff race.

Chapman, who signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox last December for $10.75 million, has been exceptional for the team. He has made 27 saves in 29 opportunities this season, a testament to his reliability in high-pressure situations.

The Cuban-born pitcher has a career record of 59-47 with 1,322 strikeouts and a 2.52 earned-run average with 362 saves over 16 Major League Baseball (MLB) campaigns. This season, he has a career-low 1.02 earned-run-average with 76 strikeouts over 53 innings, demonstrating his consistency and dominance on the mound.

Chapman's first-pitch strike percentage of 70.2% and overall strike percentage of 69.8% this season are both career highs, indicating his command and control over the ball.

Off the field, Chapman has also been a positive influence in the clubhouse. Red Sox manager Alex Cora praised Chapman, stating, "The man has made us great and not only on the field."

Chapman's contributions to the team extend beyond his pitching abilities. He has been particularly successful in preparing well and contributing positively to the team atmosphere, fostering a strong team dynamic.

Before joining the Red Sox, Chapman played for the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals. He has captured World Series crowns with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and Texas Rangers in 2023, showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level in the postseason.

Chapman defected from a Communist island nation while at a tournament in the Netherlands in 2009, a journey that has led him to become an eight-time MLB All-Star and an American citizen in 2016. He holds the MLB records for the fastest pitch in history at 105.8 mph (170.3 km/hr) and the most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout at 49.

As the Red Sox continue their playoff push, Chapman's presence on the team will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in their success. With his impressive pitching abilities and positive impact off the field, Chapman has proven to be a valuable asset to the Red Sox organization.

The Red Sox are currently in the second of three AL playoff wildcard spots, 3.5 games behind the American League East division leader Toronto. With Chapman leading the way, the Red Sox are poised to make a strong run towards the playoffs.