Former Reds Closer to Join Boston’s Bullpen

The Boston Red Sox and free agent closer Aroldis Chapman have agreed to a one-year contract, sources confirmed to _MLB Network_. The deal is reportedly worth $10 million and includes a player option for 2024.

Addressing Rotation Need

The addition of Chapman addresses a glaring need in the Red Sox’s bullpen. The team lacked a reliable closer in 2022, with Matt Strahm, Tanner Houck, and John Schreiber all failing to solidify the ninth inning role. Chapman, a seven-time All-Star, brings a wealth of experience and will be expected to lead the Red Sox’s bullpen.

Chapman’s Track Record

Chapman has established himself as one of the most dominant closers in baseball since his debut in 2010. He has recorded 315 career saves, including 16 for the Reds in 2022. While his velocity has declined slightly in recent years, Chapman still possesses a devastating fastball and a sharp slider.

Red Sox’s Bullpen Outlook

With Chapman in the fold, the Red Sox’s bullpen now appears to be much stronger. The team still has a number of reliable arms, including Houck, Schreiber, and Garrett Richards. The addition of Chapman gives Boston a true lockdown option to close games.

Impact on Red Sox’s Title Contentions

The Red Sox made a strong run to the American League Championship Series in 2022, but they ultimately fell short. The addition of Chapman gives them a significant boost and makes them a legitimate World Series contender in 2023.

Conclusion

The Red Sox’s signing of Aroldis Chapman is a major coup for the team. Chapman is one of the best closers in baseball and should help stabilize the back end of the Red Sox’s bullpen. With a strong rotation led by Chris Sale and Nathan Eovaldi, the Red Sox are now poised to make a deep run in the postseason.