Aroldis Chapman’s performance with the Boston Red Sox appears to be the perfect marriage of two imperfect partners. Prior to joining the Red Sox, Chapman had three straight seasons with an ERA greater than three and was still trying to deal with the repercussions from the end from his disastrous Yankees tenure.
Meanwhile, the Red Sox had a horrid 2024 season and seemingly punted on this season with their June trade of Rafael Devers.
But both of those storylines seem to be going by the wayside now, as the Red Sox have hit a new level since trading Devers while Chapman has a 1.00 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 54 innings this year.
That unlikely pairing will continue into next season, as the Red Sox announced on Monday that they had signed Chapman to a contract extension for 2026, with an option for the 2027 season.
And, based on new comments from Chapman and manager Alex Cora, it seems like things are beginning to change when it comes to the vibe around the Red Sox.
Aroldis Chapman’s post-extension comments go against common Red Sox narrative
While Boston’s trade of Devers also impacted Boston’s ability to win on the field, it also shined a light on the team’s clubhouse dynamics due to his lack of a desire to play first base.
But according to Chapman, it was that exact clubhouse dynamic that made him want to stay in Boston.
“The chemistry that we have here is unique,” Chapman told reporters, including MLB.com’s Ian Browne. “We're very together on and off the field. Also the coaching staff and the medical staff and the trainers made the decision easier for me wanting to stay here.”
It’s a decision that all of Boston should be thankful for. Chapman has 28 saves this season and is in the midst of a streak where he’s set down 46 straight batters. He may not be a part of the team's long-term core, but the 37-year-old is currently baseball’s best closer, so it makes sense to lock him down for the short-term. The contract will guarantee him $13.3 million next season.
“I think that's what you would point to when people say, ‘How has this guy been able to throw 100 miles an hour for 15 years now and just continue to have a successful season after a successful season?,” chief baseball officer Craig Breslow told reporters, per Browne. "So when you think about making a bet on someone to be successful later in their career, you look at the way that they keep themselves in shape and prepare and feel pretty good about this one.”
Chaman will likely get plenty of chances to add to his Red Sox legacy this October since the Red Sox keep creeping closer and closer to holding a postseason spot.
If the season ended today, that postseason matchup would come against the New York Yankees. Talk about poetry.