Red Sox’s Alex Cora Sends Aroldis Chapman Message Before 17th Season

Aroldis Chapman is 37 years old and will turn 38 at the end of this month, but that did not stop him from having one of the best seasons of his career for the Boston Red Sox last year.

Chapman had a career-best 1.17 ERA, pitched in 67 games, notched 32 saves and struck out 85 batters. He signed an extension before the season ended and is looking to replicate his great year. Manager Alex Cora spoke about the veteran as the Red Sox started spring training.

Cora noted how he performed well in his bullpens and how his stuff still looks great. However, he also took a moment to commend his work ethic as he goes into his 17th season, and second season with the Red Sox.

“Everything’s on point,” Cora said of Chapman’s approach, per Mass Live’s Sean McAdam on Sunday. “It’s what you want from a veteran, to lead by example and execute. He does that.”

Chapman threw 61 1/3 innings last season, the fifth most of any season in his career. He has thrown at least 60 innings in each of the last two seasons. Even at his age, he has managed to sustain a heavy workload out of the bullpen, still working as the closer.

Chapman was borderline unhittable last season. Opponents hit just .132 against him on the season, and he was a major part of the Red Sox’s run to the postseason. Despite his age, he still lights up the radar gun, and the Red Sox were able to sign him to a very affordable extension.

“Shoot, I’m glad that we were able to get it done (early),” Cora told McAdam. “And kudos to him because if he had said, ‘I’m going to go out there (in the market) and see what happens…’ But he likes it here. He really does. We treat him with respect, but we ask him for a lot of things. He’s been great.”

Chapman was the American League Reliever of the Year, and Edwin Díaz was his National League counterpart. Díaz got a three-year, $69 million deal in free agency. While Díaz is much younger than Chapman, his deal shows that Chapman may have been able to make more money had he hit the open market instead of signing his extension with the Red Sox.