Red Sox Offseason Addition Has Been Absolutely Elite In 2025
The Boston Red Sox felt confident entering the ninth inning on Friday night against the Miami Marlins.
After another strong start from Lucas Giolito (one earned run in 6 1/3 innings), Justin Wilson and Garrett Whitlock took care of business and handed the ball to All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.
As he’s done all season long, Chapman delivered, retiring the side in 11 pitches. The Red Sox, sporting their gorgeous Fenway Greens, won the game on a Trevor Story walk-off in the bottom of the ninth, giving Chapman the win.
Among the many reflections on the Red Sox that manifested once the dust of postgame celebrations had settled was a thought about Chapman’s enduring greatness.
Chapman, 37, now holds a 1.16 ERA and 0.73 WHIP in 2025 to go along with 21 saves, 66 strikeouts, and just six earned runs in 46 2/3 innings of work. The eight-time All-Star has allowed just one earned run since May 28.
Boston’s front office is deservedly patting itself on the back for signing Chapman to a one-year, $10.75 million deal this past offseason. While some clubs may have steered clear of Chapman due to his advancing age, the Red Sox have been rewarded handsomely for doing the opposite. Chapman has stated that he wants to pitch into his forties, and nothing about his performance this season makes that goal appear implausible.
Now that Chapman has been nearly untouchable as Boston’s closer for months, it’s funny to think back to when he was competing in spring training with Liam Hendriks and Justin Slaten for the job.
Chapman has defied his age and the expectations placed on him this season. If and when Boston makes a run at the World Series, Chapman will have the ball in his hands during the most important innings, and the Red Sox wouldn’t have it any other way.