Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman ready to pitch in 'any kind of situation' in 2025
When the 2024 season came to an end, Aroldis Chapman had the Red Sox earmarked as one of the teams he would potentially pitch for next season.
The Red Sox came calling, and the two sides agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million deal, giving Boston a hard-throwing left-hander for the backend of the bullpen.
“To be here in such a historic organization, one of the biggest, major organizations in the league for me, it’s a huge honor to be here,” said Chapman through a team translator Thursday afternoon talking to the Red Sox media. “The negotiations were between my agent and the team. When my agent brought the option to go to Boston, for me it was just happiness. I was very happy to be able to come to Boston.”
Chapman has a history of pitching in high-leverage situations over the course of his career and will almost certainly be used in that capacity by Red Sox manager Alex Cora. Boston also has Liam Hendriks returning after missing all of last season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and Justin Slaten as high-leverage options in the backend of the bullpen.
“I feel like I don’t have any problem pitching in any kind of situation,” said Chapman. “I pretty much have been in every role in the bullpen. So, any time they need me, I’ll be ready to pitch.”
Chapman has 355 career saves under his belt and recently filled in the role of closer for the Pirates over the final two months of last season. The lefty finished the campaign with 14 saves and 98 strikeouts while posting a 3.79 ERA and 1.346 WHIP.
The Cuban native is willing to help out wherever the Red Sox need him, and he is also looking forward to being a leader in the clubhouse, especially amongst the Spanish-speaking players on the roster.
“Besides all the responsibilities I might have on the field, for me, it’s very important to help young players,” said Chapman. “Not only in the big leagues, but also in the minor leagues. For me, it’s very important to help them, not only on the field but off the field—how to be a good person, to behave, and let them know they can always count on me.”
During his press conference with the Boston media, Chapman cited players in the past that helped him, including Francisco Cordero, Scott Rolen, Edgar Renteria, and Ramon Hernandez.
“I feel like it’s my turn to fill that role,” said Chapman.
