When the Boston Red Sox signed reliever Aroldis Chapman on Dec. 3, many of their fans were surprised, and not in a good way.
Boston has shocked Red Sox Nation with its involvement in the Juan Soto market and recently rediscovered desire to compete through spending money. But Chapman is not the former Yankee-turned-free agent that fans hoped for.
The veteran is an elite strike thrower and brings an experienced lefty presence to Boston's bullpen, but his off-the-field allegations haven't sat well with many Red Sox fans. The Sox planned to acquire Chapman before the 2016 season, just before the distressing news dropped, but they canceled the deal once the issue became public. The Yankees had no problem trading for him, though.
The Red Sox have previously signed players with stains on their reputation, which also hasn't sat well with fans. Three-year Red Sox Reese McGuire's record doesn't reflect favorably on him and now Chapman adds to the list.
Red Sox fans aren't happy with the team after controversial Aroldis Chapman signing
For the first time in years, the Red Sox had their fans on their side. And they sign the 2nd most hated man in baseball.
— Joey Copponi (@JoeyCopponi) December 3, 2024
Red Sox fans were particularly hard on Chapman for his on and off-the-field choices, especially because he was a Yankee. Now that he's a Red Sox, some fans may have to eat their previous words.
The most frustrating part about the Chapman signing is that he posted a solid year in 2024 and could actually help the team. Boston needs lefties and experienced arms in the bullpen, and Chapman brings both of those things. He's still an excellent strike thrower with triple-digit velocity well into his 30s.
The problem is that he also brings his reputation, which Sox fans, in particular, have been known to publicly criticize.